The Kurdistan Region exports nearly 6,000 tonnes of vegetables and fruit to central and southern Iraq every day during the summer season, as local production exceeds domestic demand.
Erbil sends between 2,000 and 3,000 tonnes daily. Sulaymaniyah, which receives part of its produce from Halabja, exports about 1,500 tonnes. Duhok contributes more than 2,000 tonnes each day.
Hoshyar Jalil, head of agricultural customs monitoring in Erbil, said the Region exported about 3,700 tonnes of produce per day last month. He added that current daily exports have fallen slightly compared with July.
Agriculture directorates also support farmers and traders who transport produce to other Iraqi provinces. The documents help drivers avoid delays or problems at federal checkpoints. Jalil said authorities issued nearly 12,000 support letters for different cargo vehicles during July.
Potatoes and onions make up a large share of the shipments. Other exports include tomatoes, pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, beetroot, cabbage, zucchini, beans, watermelon, peaches, aubergines and apples.
Sarwar Ali, an official from the Sulaymaniyah wholesale market union, said the market continues to send around 1,500 tonnes of vegetables and fruit to central and southern Iraq each day.
Duhok’s General Directorate of Agriculture reported similar growth. Director General Ahmed Jamil said the province exported 63,624 tonnes of local produce during the previous month.
During summer, the Kurdistan Region produces most of the vegetables and fruit needed by local consumers, although it still imports some types of fruit. Authorities often restrict imports or impose higher customs duties when local crops enter the market.
Officials say strong production supports farmers, reduces dependence on imports and supplies Iraqi markets with fresh local produce. Continued exports also help stabilize prices, create rural income and reduce waste during peak harvest periods. The trade also strengthens commercial links between the Region and Iraq.
