Qalbaza farmers in Sharazur expect 500 tons of turnips this season

SULAYMANIYAH — Farmers in Qalbaza, a village in the Sharazur district of Sulaymaniyah, expect to produce 500 tons of turnips this season, supported by the area’s fertile soil and long-standing cultivation practices.

Located near Sirwan river, Qalbaza is known for its distinctive terrain and productive farmland. Farmer Hamid Mahmoud told 964media that residents have been cultivating turnips and radish for more than 12 years.

“We have quality turnips and radish, clean water and air. Many of the villagers are engaged in farming,” he said.

Planting begins in August and harvesting continues into early spring. Their produce typically reaches markets before the onset of the rainy season.

The village has about 90 farmers, with over 50 cultivating approximately 450 donums of land (111 acres) with turnips and radish. Together, they yield an estimated 500 tons annually. Early in the mornings farmers head to their fields to begin harvesting.

After harvesting, produce is washed using water sourced from nearby Alan village, then transported to markets in  Sulaymaniyah.

The Sharazur Plain lies in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, it is regarded as one of the Kurdistan Region’s most fertile plains.