Buffalo farmers relocate as water access shrinks in Najaf

NAJAF — Buffalo herders near Kufa have begun relocating to other areas in Najaf due to ongoing drought conditions and restrictions on water use. Once dependent on the Euphrates River’s shores, known historically for raising high-quality buffalo, herders are now establishing artificial ponds filled with well water to sustain their livestock.

Hamza Al-Kaabi, a herder who recently moved to the Al-Haydariya or Khan Al-Nass areas, told 964media, “We used to raise buffalo in muddy areas near the Euphrates, but after those lands dried up, we had to move to desert regions, specifically to Al-Yasiriya farms, where we dug wells and built ponds and fields to continue our work.”

Al-Kaabi said he reduced his herd from 25-30 buffalo due to rising feed costs, but noted that many herders in areas such as Bani Asad near the Najaf refinery still maintain herds of 8 to 12 animals per household. “They have adapted to the new environment,” he added.

Buffalo, which require long periods submerged in water to regulate their high body temperatures, reportedly acclimate to artesian well water within a week to 10 days, according to Al-Kaabi. He described a gradual adaptation process, starting with short immersion periods that are extended over time.

Farm owner Ibrahim Al-Yasiri said, “We previously raised livestock in orchards and muddy areas near the Euphrates, but after the water dried up, we moved to desert lands, using wells originally dug for agriculture.” He explained that animals initially avoid the salty or sulfurous well water but usually adapt within two to three days.

Al-Yasiri added that rising feed prices have led to a decline in livestock numbers, stating, “There is a direct relationship between feed prices and livestock. As prices go up, production goes down.”

Jamil Atiwi, director of the Groundwater Authority in Najaf, said wells are dug under strict guidelines and must be approved by the Department of Agriculture. “The purpose of digging is to irrigate crops and provide water for livestock, not to create ponds, especially amid the current water crisis,” Atiwi said. “Well drilling for buffalo farming only proceeds after obtaining official permits from relevant agricultural authorities.”

Iraq is facing its worst water crisis in eight decades, with reserves at their lowest levels in 80 years following a dry rainy season. Officials have blamed climate change, drought, and upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran for the shortages.