A farmer in Al-Mu’tasim, southeast of Samarra in Salahuddin governorate, inspects fig trees in a fertile orchard known for producing black and yellow varieties used in jam and drying. The fruit is harvested from July to December. Photo by 964media
Samarra
Farmers in Samarra’s Al-Mu’tasim subdistrict say demand remains strong for locally grown figs
SAMARRA — Farmers in Salahuddin’s Al-Mu’tasim subdistrict continue to see strong demand for local figs despite an influx of imported fruit, citing the high quality and flavor of varieties grown in the area.
In the Sa’uiya area, southeast of Samarra, fertile soil and abundant water make the region ideal for cultivating both black and yellow figs. The fruits are favored for making jam and dried fig products and remain in season from July to December.
Ali Ayed Hamada, a local farmer, told 964media, “We grow black and yellow figs in fertile soil with abundant water. Figs are a blessed fruit mentioned in the Quran, and their taste is unique. They are used in jam and dried fig production and sold to shopkeepers.”
He added, “Figs offer medical benefits, provide shade for other trees, and are a valuable crop for farmers. The harvest lasts from July through December. It’s a high-value summer fruit with strong purchasing demand.”
Hamada urged government authorities to support fig growers by providing fertilizers and pesticides to improve productivity. “Iraqi figs have a special taste that can’t be compared to foreign ones,” he said.
Mohammed Ismail, another farmer in the subdistrict, echoed the sentiment. “The local product has a different, delicious taste,” he said. “Figs from Al-Mu’tasim are especially flavorful and have many benefits. We always prefer buying fresh local figs over imported ones—they’re far better for taste and used in making jam and dried figs.”