Iraq launches electronic farmer card to map agriculture, target subsidies and manage water use

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture said Sunday it has begun implementing an “electronic farmer card” aimed at building a nationwide digital agricultural database, improving the targeting of government support and helping authorities better manage water and production inputs.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Mahdi Sahar al-Jubouri said the project is being launched under the government program to create a comprehensive digital profile for every farmer in the country.

“The ministry has begun establishing the electronic farmer card, which aims to build a comprehensive digital database for every farmer in Iraq,” al-Jubouri told the state news agency.

He said the database will include detailed information on landholdings and agricultural contracts, including plot size and precise geographic location using GPS, as well as data on crop types and livestock numbers.

Under the system, farmers’ technical data will be linked to bank accounts, allowing the government to pay dues directly and collect costs for agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds and pesticides purchased from state suppliers or private-sector providers.

“The primary objective of the card, technically and financially, is to ensure that government support reaches actual beneficiaries who are entitled to it, away from any manipulation,” al-Jubouri said, adding that the system will also simplify procedures for granting agricultural loans.

He said the digital platform will allow the ministry to monitor crop plans across the country and produce a clear agricultural map for all governorates, helping officials track what is grown and where.

According to al-Jubouri, the system will also support resource management by identifying real production needs, including machinery and sprayers, and by calculating the actual water requirements for each crop.

“The digital identity will help determine precise needs for production inputs and calculate the quantities of water required, contributing to optimal management of agricultural resources,” he said.