Daquq farmers see strong tomato harvests despite perceived lack of state support

KIRKUK — Farmers in Kirkuk’s Daquq district are reporting strong tomato yields this summer, despite the absence of a government-backed agricultural plan for seasonal crops.

Omar Mohammed, a farmer in the village of Yangija, said he harvested between 15 and 20 tons per donum from his three-donum plot using a hybrid seed variety known as G.S., developed from American strains and imported from India and Vietnam.

“The type of tomato I planted is G.S., a hybrid of Indian and Vietnamese origin,” Mohammed told 964media. “It’s well suited to the climate here, has a very good yield, and the taste is excellent. There’s high demand for it in the market.”

He added that the seed is resistant to heat and harsh conditions, with fruit maturing within 60 to 80 days. “Right now, I’m selling a kilo for 150 dinars. If we had a tomato paste factory, I could plant 30 donums instead of just three.”

Mohammed said the tomatoes stay fresh for up to 10 days after harvest and can remain on the plant for 20 days once ripe. While demand from local sellers is strong, the lack of processing infrastructure limits expansion.

“The problem is the lack of a tomato paste factory,” he said. “We hope the government will support the idea so we don’t lose the crop, even if the selling price is low.”

Daquq resident Ali Karam praised the farmer’s efforts. “Kak Omar is one of the most skilled farmers. He’s selling part of his crop here in the village and the rest in the Daquq and Kirkuk markets at very reasonable prices,” he said.

Despite the successful harvest, a local agriculture official said no summer cultivation plan exists this year. “We have no plan for summer crops due to water shortages, lack of funding from the ministry, and the absence of state support,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official added that a proposal to establish a tomato paste factory was submitted three years ago but remains unapproved. “We also requested a silo for collecting winter crops like wheat, barley, and corn, but we haven’t received any response so far.”