Iraq opens irrigation systems plant in Abu Ghraib with Saudi partner

BAGHDAD — Industry Minister Khalid Battal on Tuesday inaugurated a new factory for modern irrigation systems in Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khorayef Company. The plant has the capacity to produce 1,500 systems annually.

Speaking at the opening, Battal said Iraq needs about 80 million irrigation systems and that the government approved installment-based sales to farmers “to encourage them and support local agricultural production.” He said the project would help boost food security and ease financial pressures by supporting agriculture.

The factory, operating under the brand name Rash, will produce systems designed for areas between 15 and 60 acres. It is managed by Iraq’s Al-Faris General Company in cooperation with Al-Khorayef.

Battal also said Iraq has achieved wheat self-sufficiency, exported part of its crop, and maintains adequate reserves. He emphasized that joint ventures like the Abu Ghraib plant are permitted under Iraqi law and represent “an important pillar in building an integrated economic and social system” that shifts state-owned companies toward profitability.

The project follows two similar ventures: one at the State Company for Automotive and Equipment Industries in Babil in February 2023, and another at the State Company for Construction Industries in Baghdad in October 2024, both aimed at reducing reliance on imports.