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Land used in one district down 21.4%

Potato cultivation dives as Duhok farmers call for import bans

DUHOK — Despite having 8,150 acres of land prepared for potato cultivation, Duhok Governorate potato farming has decreased compared to previous years

The planting season in the districts of Bardarash and Sheikhan in Duhok has begun, yet farmers are hesitant to grow potatoes as abundantly.

Mohammed Goran, a local farmer, told 964media, “Due to last year’s low market prices, we will cultivate fewer potatoes this year, fearing a repeat of the situation where produce remained unsold.”

Tahsin Goran, the director of agriculture in Bardarash, shared this perspective, noting that farmers are planting potatoes on a smaller scale. He disclosed that potatoes from the 2022 and 2023 harvests are still unsold in warehouses.

The competition from imported Iranian potatoes has also impacted local production, with some farmers opting not to harvest their autumn crop.

According to data from the Bardarash agriculture department, farmers grew potatoes on 6,920 acres last year, but this year, the cultivation area has been reduced to 5,440 acres, marking a decrease of approximately 21.4%.

Ahmed Jamil, the director general of Agriculture in Duhok, stated, “This year, 8,150 acres of land in the Duhok governorate will be used for potato cultivation, and we anticipate a production of 397,000 tons.”

However, this forecast contrasts with the 2023 production figures, where 585,000 tons of potatoes were produced in Bardarash and Sheikhan, pointing to a notable drop in cultivation and possibly in overall production.

Additionally, farmers in Mosul have opted to store their potato crop, waiting for higher prices. Despite a successful harvest of fresh Mosul potatoes being ready to market, local farmers are opting to hold on.

The influx of imported crops has caused a significant price drop, with the cost of potatoes falling to 150 Iraqi dinars per kilogram, a price that does not cover production costs in most cases. Mosul farmers are hoping for prices to break the 300 dinar mark before selling, to recoup costs

The region, known for its extensive agricultural lands, is pivotal for growing crops like potatoes. Profitability is hindered not just by imports but by factors such as productivity, efficiencies in agricultural methods, government subsidies, and access to necessary supplies. Local farmers encounter difficulties in securing chemical fertilizers, seeds, and fuel from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Khatab Ali, a farmer who spoke to 964media, discussed returning to agriculture after a break since 2017. “We start planting potatoes in September, with the harvest in January and at the latest by early February,” Ali said.

However, the high cost of seeds, exceeding one million dinars per ton, along with the expenses on agricultural machinery and labor, significantly increases the cost of potato farming.

Ali champions a protectionist policy towards imports as a remedy to local production woes, warning: “Currently, the wholesale price of potatoes is at 150 dinars per kilogram, a rate at which farmers cannot afford to sell due to potential losses.”

Halabja farmers receive 40 tons of potatoes from WFP training program

Halabja farmers receive 40 tons of potatoes from WFP training program

Video: Potato farmers in Abu Ghraib face economic challenges despite high production

Video: Potato farmers in Abu Ghraib face economic challenges despite high production

Diyala's promising potato harvest reaping high yields

Diyala's promising potato harvest reaping high yields

Kurdistan Ministry of Agriculture signs potato supply agreement with 11 factories for local producti...

Kurdistan Ministry of Agriculture signs potato supply agreement with 11 factories for local production expansion

Duhok University successfully produces new potato varieties

Duhok University successfully produces new potato varieties

Security officer detained after allegedly firing into air during graduation ceremony

Basra Police Investigate Stadium Incident Involving Security and University Students

Basra

Security officer detained after allegedly firing into air during graduation ceremony

BASRA — Gunfire erupted during a graduation ceremony at Basra’s Sports City Monday morning, leading to the detention of a security officer and his team, authorities said.

A video circulating on social media appears to show an altercation between stadium security personnel and students from Al-Maqal University during a graduation ceremony at Basra’s Sports City. The incident escalated to gunfire, with Basra Police confirming that a security officer fired into the air. The officer, along with the assigned security detail, has been detained as an investigation is underway.

“The incident occurred while the personnel were performing their duty to secure the event. One officer fired into the air during the altercation,” the Basra Police Command said in a statement.

Basra Police Chief Maj. Gen. Latif Abdul Redha Al-Saad ordered the immediate detention of the officer and the security unit involved. A committee has been formed to investigate the matter, authorities say.

A student who witnessed the altercation told 964media, “One of the graduates invited his friends to the ceremony, but security forces tried to stop them from entering, claiming that male attendees were not allowed into the stadium due to the presence of female students and families. This led to a dispute between the student and security personnel, during which gunfire was used to disperse the crowd.”

The student involved in the confrontation was arrested and remains in police custody.