The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is boosting domestic agriculture to reduce reliance on imports and achieve self-sufficiency, officials said. Hiwa Ali, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, said that the government aims to meet the Region’s primary food needs through local production.
“The Kurdistan Region consumes about 450,000 tons of potatoes annually, but production now reaches nearly 700,000 tons,” Ali said. The surplus allows exports to Gulf countries and Europe, while fully meeting local demand.
Therefore, the Ministry uses an agricultural calendar to manage supply and stabilize markets. The government prohibits imports of similar crops—including potatoes and tomatoes—during high-production seasons. Ali explained, “This policy protects farmers from financial losses and ensures successful marketing.”
Furthermore, transport of agricultural goods to central and southern Iraq has also improved. Ali said, “Through a technical committee and unified forms, our farmers’ products now reach Iraqi markets easily.” Currently, about 10,000 tons of agricultural products leave the Region daily.
The KRG promotes year-round crop availability. Farmers are encouraged to use greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and cold storage facilities. These measures reduce seasonal shortages and limit dependence on imports.
Regarding cereals, Ali expressed optimism for wheat production this year. Favorable rainfall will support harvests, and the KRG coordinates with Baghdad to secure fair prices through silos.
Furthermore, heavy winter precipitation has also benefitted livestock. In Akre district, rain and snow replenished pastures, supporting over 60,000 sheep and livestock. Local farmers praised the government for prior assistance during droughts and welcomed the improved conditions.
Additionally, Akre has emerged as an export hub for Kurdish products. In January, rice and tahini shipments reached the UK and Germany, while exports also go to Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands. Rising demand reflects favorable harvests and improved market access.
Therefore, the KRG is investing in agricultural processing and storage. Duhok hosts a corn-drying factory with 23,000-ton capacity, alongside 3,000 greenhouses and cold storage networks. Factories for potatoes, tomatoes, and olive oil exist, and a cheese factory is under construction.
These domestic agriculture projects aim to connect farmers with processing industries, extend shelf life, stabilize prices, and expand exports. Public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and international engagement support modernization efforts. The Erbil Agro-Industry and Packaging Expo 2025 showcased 352 companies from 20 countries, with 62 local firms displaying products made entirely in Kurdistan.
Hiwa Ali emphasized that the policies support farmers, improve market access, and reduce spoilage. The Region’s agricultural push strengthens domestic production, exports, storage, and market stability, moving Kurdistan closer to self-sufficiency.
