Agricultural sector in Erbil continues to expand during the harvest season. Local officials say farm production now far exceeds local demand. As a result, large volumes of produce move daily to other Iraqi cities.
The Director General of Agricultural sector in Erbil confirmed that tomato production alone reaches remarkable levels. During peak harvest periods, traders purchase between 300 and 400 truckloads of tomatoes every day. They then transport these shipments to markets across central and southern Iraq.
These figures highlight a major shift in the Kurdistan Region’s economy. Erbil now plays a central role in supplying food nationwide. Officials increasingly describe the city as a key food source for the country.
Additionally, Hemin Saeed Murad explained that Arab traders actively buy produce directly from farmers. He said this demand keeps local markets stable and helps farmers secure steady income during harvest season across multiple governorates.
Moreover, Murad also stressed government support for farmers. He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture subsidizes certified seed potatoes. Although each ton costs the government about 990,000 dinars, authorities sell it to farmers for only 450,000 dinars. This price reduction lowers production costs and encourages higher-quality output.
Furthermore, vegetable and fruit production across the Kurdistan Region has also grown sharply. According to Murad, output from late April until late November exceeds local needs by two to three times. Because of this surplus, producers send most goods outside the region.
Additionally, potatoes stand out as a strong example. Murad said Kurdistan-grown potatoes enjoy high quality and strong demand in Iraqi markets. Traders prefer them due to consistent supply, competitive prices, and reliable year-round availability.
Overall, officials see agriculture as a strategic sector. Increased production, steady exports, and farmer support programs continue to strengthen Erbil’s role in Iraq’s food supply chain and improve long-term food security nationwide.
