Farmers along the Tigris River use onions to protect potato crops without chemicals

MOSUL — Farmers in eastern Mosul are using a simple technique with powerful results: planting onion rows between potato crops to naturally repel harmful pests, including the Colorado potato beetle, without chemical pesticides.

The experiment, conducted in Al-Mazare’ neighborhood along the Tigris River, is part of a research project led by Wisam Mahmoud, director of the Potato and Tomato Development Project. “For the second year in a row, I’ve planted onion rows between potato crops, and not a single dangerous pest like the Colorado beetle has appeared,” Mahmoud told 964media. “This spares us from using chemical pesticides that pollute the environment.”

The method relies on the strong scent of onions to drive insects away. According to Mahmoud, other aromatic plants like garlic and basil can serve the same purpose. “The crops kept their size and tasted better,” he said. “The potatoes were healthy, free of chemicals, and production sometimes exceeded that of crops grown with fertilizers.”

The trials focused on three potato varieties — El Beida, Arizona and Riviera — and were carried out over a 500-square-meter plot. The irrigation method used was drip irrigation, which Mahmoud said is highly efficient. “Drip irrigation saves between 85 to 90 percent of water compared to traditional flooding,” he said.

Mahmoud emphasized the project’s broader purpose. “The goal of the project is to conduct studies on modern farming techniques and new crop varieties, then share the findings with farmers through presentations or village visits,” he said.

Although the test plots are small, they use advanced methods not commonly available to farmers. “We give farmers this information so they can learn from the results,” he said.

He added that the quality and quantity of the harvests were not compromised. “We use organic fertilizers and organic pesticides. The size is comparable to chemically grown potatoes, sometimes even better. The food is healthier for people and better for the environment.”

The project has gained recognition within Nineveh governorate and at the national level. “Committees from the Ministry of Agriculture visit us to monitor developments. We also publish our research in global and local journals, and work with professors from the University of Mosul,” Mahmoud said.

He added, “We’re proving that companion planting works. It’s better for the environment, better for the farmer, and better for the consumer.”