A Kurdish farmer from Barzan has successfully grown black and red rice in the Kurdistan Region for the first time. The achievement follows three years of testing and agricultural experiments.
Hassan Mala Musa began the project after learning about the rice varieties in China. He imported seeds directly from China and tested them in Barzan. Initially, he brought 150 kilograms of black rice seeds and 150 kilograms of red rice seeds.
At first, Hassan was unsure whether the local soil could support the crops. However, the experiment produced a successful harvest. Therefore, he decided to continue cultivating the two varieties.
Hassan grows the rice in the Barzan area, where he says the soil and climate suit the crop well. The growing cycle takes around five months.
Farmers plant the rice in the fifth month of the year. They then harvest it in the tenth month. The crop also requires about the same amount of water as traditional rice.
The current cultivation area produces around one to two tons of rice.
Hassan says the rice contains no artificial fertilizers or chemical additives. He also says the black and red colors occur naturally.
He promotes the rice as a healthy food option. However, claims that it can treat diabetes or cancer require medical evidence and should not replace professional treatment.
Importing the seeds from China proved expensive. Hassan says he initially paid about $40 per kilogram for the seeds.
Meanwhile, he currently sells the locally produced rice for around 6,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram. He markets the product through social media platforms.
Hassan also wants to help other Kurdish farmers grow the varieties. He says he can provide seeds and agricultural guidance to interested farmers.
Moreover, he plans to test another variety in the future. He hopes to bring naturally green rice seeds from China to the Kurdistan Region.
The project comes as rice farming expands across the Region. More than 20,000 dunams reportedly support rice cultivation this year. Production could reach 25,000 tons.
The new varieties could therefore add diversity to local agriculture. They may also create new opportunities for Kurdish farmers and strengthen domestic rice production.
