Anbar farmers turn to advance and direct sales as date harvest nears

HIT — With the date harvest season approaching in Anbar, farmers are relying on two longstanding sales methods shaped by market demand, labor and expected yields. The Zahdi date, Iraq’s most common variety, remains inexpensive but highly sought after, and this year’s sales are expected to improve following weaker harvests in 2024.

The first method is advance sale, where farmers sell their crop while it is still on the tree, receiving upfront payment two to three months before harvest. Traders then take responsibility for harvesting, packing, transport, marketing and potential losses.

“Advance sales are a common agreement between palm grove owners and date traders,” farmer Qasim Jameel told 964media. “The farmer sells the dates while they are still on the tree for a fixed sum, and the trader later handles all the work. Traders are responsible for losses, though farmers sometimes share part of the damage if a major and unexpected incident occurs, such as sudden rains.”

The second method is direct sale, where farmers wait for the dates to ripen, then harvest, pack and sell them directly. This usually brings higher returns but requires more labor and storage.

“I prefer direct sales because it is usually more profitable,” farmer Haqi Ismail said. “For example, a Zahdi palm sold through advance sale might bring 30,000 dinars (about $21), but I can sell the same palm for 50,000 dinars (about $36) through direct sales. For the Khiyara variety, the difference is even greater — 75,000 dinars (about $54) with advance sale versus 200,000 dinars (about $143) through direct sales.”

Traders say demand drives pricing. “We have several types of dates in Anbar, but Zahdi is the most requested,” said trader Yusuf Nahi. “We usually start advance sales in July. If we expect 70 kilograms from a palm, we set the price between 40,000 and 45,000 dinars (about $29–$32). Not every palm is profitable, but Zahdi is the best for marketing because of its larger volume.”

For some, advance sales are a necessity. “I sold my Zahdi palms this year at 40,000 dinars (about $29) each through advance sale,” said farmer Abdullah Rafi. “I don’t have enough time or resources to harvest on my own, and I don’t have a regular salary. By guaranteeing the crop early, I secure steady income to support my family.”

Farmers and traders say orchards in Anbar are healthier this year, raising confidence that the 2025 harvest will deliver stronger returns regardless of the sales method.