Rainfall revives wheat fields in Kanaan, raises hopes for strong May harvest

DIYALA — Late-season rainfall has revitalized wheat farms in Kanaan, a subdistrict of Baquba, offering relief to farmers who had feared another year of drought and water shortages.

The rains spared growers from relying solely on irrigation, which has become increasingly difficult due to limited water access. Farmers say they now need only one final round of watering, expected to come from the nearby Qanbar River, before the May harvest.

“This region went through years of drought, which nearly wiped out farming and forced most residents to migrate to the city,” said Nihad Aziz Ahmed, a local farmer. “Now, people are returning because of the rainfall and the renewed availability of water. The area is safe, home to a mix of tribes like the Karakhiya, Zuhairiya, Masoud and Dulaim, and everyone is united in preserving security.”

Wheat cultivation in Kanaan involves several seed varieties, but many farmers prefer imported options over those distributed by the government.

“We start preparing the wheat fields in September by plowing and readying the land,” Ahmed said. “Seeding begins in November, and we wait until the harvest in May. There are different seed types like Ibaa, Adna and Barcelona. Each has unique qualities, but everyone here prefers the Turkish ‘Adna’ and the Spanish ‘Barcelona’ seeds, which we buy from the market. They’re far better than the ‘Ibaa 99’ seeds given out by the government.”

Farmers say the results are already visible in the fields.

“We’ve seen a big difference in the farms after the latest rains — the crops look healthier and more active,” Ahmed added. “Only one more irrigation is needed, and if it rains again, the yield will be even better.”

Locals say the Qanbar area, named after the river that runs through it, is a center for wheat farming in the subdistrict.

“The Qanbar area is known for wheat farming, which depends heavily on rainfall,” said Hytham Ismail, a resident. “If the rains are scarce, the land dries up. But now, the fields are lush and green thanks to the recent downpours.”

Iraq is among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the United Nations, with rising temperatures, persistent droughts and accelerating desertification threatening agricultural stability.