Vicia faba

Maysan farmers hail Spanish broad beans thriving in climate challenges

MAYSAN — Farmers in Qala Salih, south of Maysan, have begun harvesting broad beans, praising a Spanish variety for its large size, robust flavor and high yield. In the village of Al-Jiyazna, owned by Sheikh Subaih Al-Jiyazani, about 50 dunams (roughly 31 acres) are dedicated to this crop, producing as much as 1 ton per dunam.

Broad beans, botanically Vicia faba, are often valued for their versatility in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The Spanish variety, popular for its meaty seeds and sweeter taste, typically requires timely planting and adequate irrigation to reduce the need for pesticides. Late sowing or poor moisture conditions can lead to heavier reliance on chemicals.

In Maysan, planting begins on Sept. 20 and continues through March. Early in the season, broad beans can fetch 1,500 dinars per kilogram (about $0.99), but prices later drop to about 800 dinars ($0.53). Overall, 1,203 dunams (nearly 743 acres) in Maysan produce 1,566 tons of broad beans, with Qala Salih alone contributing 300 dunams (about 185 acres) for a total of 390 tons.

“Planting begins on September 20 and continues until March,” said Ahmad Hussein, nephew of Sheikh Al-Jiyazani. “We plow the fields, use fertilizers and form furrows to ensure high-quality produce.”

Hussein attributed the notable success to the Spanish seeds. “We’ve tested many types, but the Spanish broad beans excel in quality and size,” he said. “When planted on time, there’s no need for pesticides, but late planting forces us to use them.”

Farmers this year, however, have faced obstacles tied to climate conditions and irrigation limits. “Last year’s crop had no issues,” Hussein said. “This season, the changing climate and reduced water from reservoirs forced us to rely heavily on fertilizers and chemicals, adding costs and lowering overall quality compared to before.”

Additional pressures stem from a lack of government support. “We’re forced to buy chemicals on the black market, which increases our expenses,” Hussein added.

Despite these setbacks, broad beans remain a lucrative and nutrient-rich crop. “One dunam can yield 40 to 50 sacks—more than a ton,” Hussein said. “At the start of the season, prices were between 1,250 dinars ($0.83) and 1,500 dinars ($0.99) per kilogram, but they’ve since dropped.”