Continuous rainfall across the Kurdistan Region has raised serious concerns about this year’s wheat production. Authorities expect total output to exceed two million tons, but agricultural experts warn that persistent rain and possible heavy storms could damage crops.
Halakawt Mohammed, spokesperson for the General Union of Kurdistan Farmers, said recent rainfall has been beneficial overall. However, he warned that part of the wheat crop has already reached the flowering stage. “If heavy rain falls now, it could damage the flowers and cause significant losses,” he explained.
According to data from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Agriculture, farmers planted more than three million dunams of wheat this season. Officials still expect production to surpass two million tons if weather conditions remain stable.
Experts also warn about other risks linked to ongoing rainfall. Mohammed noted that excessive moisture can cause wheat rust disease, which could further reduce yields. Heavy rain can also damage both flowering and non-flowering crops, increasing the risk of breakage and crop loss.
Dr. Luqman Mufti, a monitoring official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, said some areas received more rain than needed. He added that regions with moderate rainfall show better crop conditions than those with excessive rain.
Mufti stressed that wheat needs sunlight to grow properly. This season has seen limited sunshine, even on dry days. “If rain falls at night and the sun shines during the day, crops remain safe. This year, however, sunshine has been very limited,” he said.
Farmers also face muddy fields, which prevent them from applying fertilizers and treatments. Some use drones, but high costs limit their use on large farms.
Harvest season usually begins in late April, but heavy rainfall may delay it by nearly a month. Officials warn that hailstorms or sudden cold waves could further threaten crops.
Despite strong production expectations, weather conditions remain a key factor in determining final yields.
