Duhok farmers begin harvesting local rice crop, production expected to reach 19,000 tons

DUHOK — Farmers in Duhok governorate have started harvesting this year’s local rice crop, with agricultural officials projecting total production to reach 19,000 tons, despite a decrease in cultivated area due to limited rainfall.

Ahmad Jamil, director general of agriculture in Duhok, told 964media that although lower rainfall levels led to fewer rice fields being planted, big yields are still expected.

“Akre district leads in rice cultivation within Duhok governorate, followed by Duhok city, Bardarash, and Amedi,” Jamil said.

He added that Amedi district, with its colder climate and higher rainfall, is particularly suitable for cultivating six-month and long-grain rice varieties. In Deraluk sub-district, 95% of farmers in local villages grow rice, and many are currently engaged in harvesting the six-month crop and collecting their yields.

The governorate’s agriculture is diverse, with farms also producing pomegranates, figs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sesame.

The Duhok Directorate of Agriculture announced that more than 45,000 tons of local agricultural produce were exported from the governorate to cities in central and southern Iraq during September.

The directorate added that from January 2, 2025, through the end of September, total exports of agricultural products from Duhok governorate reached 209,391 tons to other Iraqi cities.