Basra markets over 500,000 tons of tomatoes since start of season

BASRA — Basra’s Agriculture Directorate announced that more than 500,000 tons of tomatoes have been marketed since the start of the agricultural season in October 2025 through early April 2026.

In a statement, the directorate’s media office said that 501,882 tons of tomatoes were marketed between Oct. 20, 2025, and April 4, 2026, in the areas of Al-Zubair and Safwan, adding that the quantities reflect the efforts of farmers and agricultural staff in the governorate.

The directorate said it continues to monitor marketing operations and provide support and guidance to farmers to maintain market stability, enhance local production and support food security.

Basra is located in southern Iraq and serves as the country’s main port region, with access to the Shatt al-Arab waterway. The governorate has a mix of desert and irrigated agricultural land, with farming concentrated in areas such as Zubair and Safwan.

Basra’s agriculture sector relies on irrigation systems and seasonal rainfall, with farmers producing vegetables, dates and some grains. Basra has faced challenges including water shortages, high salinity levels and reduced river flow, which have affected crop yields in recent years.