Tomato and potato production in the Kurdistan Region plays a vital role in agriculture and food security. Farmers, councils, and officials continue to stress the need for stronger protections to secure harvests and protect incomes.
Tomatoes sell for 250 to 600 dinars per kilogram. Potatoes range from 250 to 300 dinars per kilogram. Families benefit from these affordable prices, while farmers maintain a competitive market for their crops.
Rajab Haji Aziz, chairman of the Erbil warehouse council, explained that farmers in Erbil and Duhok grow more than 700,000 tons of potatoes each year. He warned that illegal imports harm the balance of supply and demand. He called on authorities to strengthen enforcement so that local harvests reach consumers on time.
The Ministry of Agriculture enforces a summer ban on imported domestic products. The ministry designed this seasonal rule to protect local harvests during peak production. Farmers welcome the decision and expect stronger enforcement to reduce market disruptions.
Officials in Sulaimani acknowledged that smuggling remains a challenge. However, they believe tighter monitoring and direct cooperation with farmers will reduce the problem. They view this coordination as a key step in securing stronger results for agriculture.
Consumers see the benefits of these policies every day. Affordable tomatoes and potatoes help households manage costs while keeping diets fresh and healthy. Farmers also gain confidence that their hard work supports local food markets and strengthens the economy.
The outlook remains positive for the sector. With stricter rules and greater collaboration, tomato and potato production in Kurdistan will continue to expand. Families will enjoy stable prices, and farmers will receive fair returns for their crops.
Kurdistan’s agriculture demonstrates both resilience and growth. Protecting local harvests now ensures food security and economic stability in the future.
