The Akre livestock sector is showing strong signs of recovery after heavy snowfall and rain ended last year’s drought. The mountainous district experienced a difficult 2025 due to severe water shortages. However, this winter brought a major change.
Heavy snow and rainfall covered Akre’s plains and grazing lands. As a result, optimism has returned among livestock owners. Farmers say the weather shift has saved their herds and restored hope for the coming months.
According to official data, Akre received more than 520 millimeters of rainfall and 35 centimeters of snow during the current winter season. This moisture plays a critical role in reviving pastureland. It also supports a livestock population of more than 60,000 sheep and animals across the district.
Last year was extremely difficult for livestock owners. Water sources dried up. Grazing land disappeared. Many farmers were forced to sell their animals to survive.
Sagvan Nayif, a local livestock owner, described 2025 as a year of hardship. He said rain was scarce and drought dominated the region. As a result, many farmers feared losing their livelihoods.
This year is different. Nayif said the heavy snowfall has changed everything. He added that farmers now expect a season of growth and stability.
Another livestock owner, Tahir Tamo, also welcomed the improved conditions. He thanked the government for providing assistance during the drought. He expressed hope that support would continue this year.
The Kurdistan Regional Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, supplied fodder and aid during the dry period. These measures helped stabilize the Akre livestock sector when conditions were at their worst.
The improvement in Akre reflects a wider weather pattern across the Kurdistan Region. The General Directorate of Meteorology and Seismology reported widespread rain and snowfall in recent days.
In Erbil Governorate, Hiran recorded 104 millimeters of rain in one day. In Duhok Governorate, Kani Masi saw 34 centimeters of snowfall. Dinarta recorded 78.5 millimeters of rain, while Akre received 50.6 millimeters within 24 hours.
Rain also fell heavily in Sulaimani Governorate, where Sayranaga recorded 71 millimeters. These figures point to strong water replenishment across the region.
Weather officials expect light drizzle and fog in the short term. Temperatures may drop slightly before stabilizing.
For farmers, the existing snow is already enough. It will melt slowly and feed springs and pastureland throughout spring. This natural water reserve supports long-term recovery.
The Akre livestock sector has moved from drought and fear to hope and growth. Farmers now look ahead to a productive year shaped by rainfall, renewal, and resilience.
