Over 89,000 tons of goods imported into Kurdistan Region through Shushme border crossing with Iran

HALABJA — More than 89,192 tons of agricultural and commercial goods were imported into the Kurdistan Region through the Shushme border crossing with Iran in 2024, according to Sattar Mahmoud, director of Agriculture in Halabja.

“Out of the total imports, approximately 196,630 kilograms were deemed unfit and subsequently confiscated,” Mahmoud told 964media.

He explained that most of the confiscated goods consisted of fruits and agricultural produce, which were returned to Iran.

In late December 2024, authorities at the Shushme border crossing seized a shipment of 18.3 tons of spoiled muskmelon, with officials deciding to return the shipment to Iran after inspections revealed it was unfit for consumption.

In the same month, authorities also seized 4 tons and 700 kilograms of spoiled peppers.

Situated near the Iranian border and about 83 kilometers southeast of Sulaymaniyah, Halabja was officially recognized as a governorate by the Kurdistan Regional Government in recent years.

Regarding Halabja’s renowned pomegranate production, Mahmoud stated, “In 2024, Halabja produced between 25,000 and 30,000 tons of pomegranates.”

He added, “The annual production capacity of Halabja pomegranates is usually between 30,000 and 35,000 tons. However, in recent years, pests and diseases have reduced yields. Last year’s harvest was promising, and we hope production will return to its usual levels.”

The 10th Annual Pomegranate and Autumn Festival in Halabja, held from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2,  attracted a record-breaking 300,000 visitors, with pomegranate sales reaching 1.435 billion Iraqi dinars (nearly $950,000).

According to data from the Halabja General Directorate of Agriculture, approximately 2,600 acres of land are now dedicated to pomegranate orchards.

The Shushme border crossing connects Halabja Governorate in the Kurdistan Region with Kermanshah Province in Iran. The last urban center on the Kurdistan Region’s side is the town of Tawela, located about 22 kilometers from central Halabja.