Local ‘Deira Carrots’ win favor in Basra markets for sweet qualities

BASRA — Basra’s Al-Madina district is known for cultivating a unique local variety of carrots—dubbed “Deira Carrots”—that come in vivid hues such as red, yellow, maroon, pink, and orange. Prized for their exceptional sweetness, these carrots are becoming increasingly popular with buyers.

Local farmers hand down heirloom seeds through generations, stressing that these seeds are not available in commercial seed shops. They praise the crop’s profitability, noting that the low-cost cultivation—free of greenhouses and pesticides—makes it an attractive enterprise. However, the clay-based soil common in the region poses a challenge: the carrots require extra time and effort to clean, a task that is simpler in Iraq’s sandy soil areas.

Harvesting is a labor-intensive, manual process, with each farmer typically collecting around 30 kilograms of carrots per day. Most of the Deira Carrots are sold at local markets in Al-Madina, though some shipments occasionally make their way to Basra’s central markets. Farmers claim that despite their higher price—1,000 IQD ($0.67) per kilogram versus 750 IQD ($0.50) for imported varieties—the superior taste of the local produce makes it well worth the cost.

Safeeh Al-Shami, a farmer, told 964media, “What we grow is a local variety known for its distinct taste and diverse colors—red, yellow, maroon, pink, and orange. The seeds we use have been passed down from our ancestors and are not available in seed shops.” He explained that the entire daily yield is sold in northern Basra’s markets, particularly in Al-Madina. “Due to high demand, our production rarely reaches the governorate’s center,” he added.

Al-Shami credited the region’s clay-based soil, quality water, and traditional seeds for the carrots’ unique color, sweetness, and tenderness. He noted that cleaning the produce is especially challenging: “Since our land is clay, not sandy, we have to collect them in a designated area and wash them thoroughly using running water.”

Farmer Jabr Hatem told 964media, “We receive no government support for growing carrots—not in seeds or fertilizers—even though the land requires fertilization.” He explained that the region is also known for cultivating other crops such as vegetables, wheat, and barley. “We farm in Al-Madina, Ma’bar, Nahr Saleh, and Al-Shateet,” he said.

Alaa Hussein, head of the agricultural division in Al-Madina, told 964media, “The local carrot variety is mainly sold in Al-Madina’s markets, with some shipments occasionally reaching Basra’s central market.” He emphasized that the higher price reflects the superior quality of the local produce: “A kilogram of locally grown carrots sells for 1,000 IQD ($0.67), even when imported carrots are available for 750 IQD ($0.50). This is because the local variety is sweeter and has a special quality.”