Balad family harvests first crop of Kristina tomatoes after four-month effort

BALAD — A family of ten in the Sayyid Gharib area south of Salah Al-Din has successfully harvested its first crop of large-sized Kristina tomatoes, concluding four months of labor on their five-dunum farm.

Led by farmer Hassan Ibrahim, known locally as Abu Ahmed, the Khazraji family starts work each day at 4 a.m., finishing by 11 a.m. to avoid extreme summer heat. “We managed to reap the rewards of four months of hard work,” Abu Ahmed told 964media. “We endured freezing cold and intense heat, and we’re happy to sell the tomatoes even if the return is modest.”

The family transports its produce directly to wholesale markets in Balad and Dujail using their own vehicle. “We are trying to supply the market and contribute to self-sufficiency with local products,” he said. “Imported tomatoes have impacted us, but this successful experience has strengthened our determination to continue planting them in the future.”

His wife, Umm Ahmed, highlighted the family’s dedication to Iraqi agriculture. “My children and I head out from 4 a.m. until noon to harvest and deliver the tomatoes,” she said. “Even though we sell at lower prices compared to other types, we farmers sacrifice time and money for a national Iraqi crop that can compete with imports in quality and taste.”