The Kurdistan Region continues to play a key role in supporting food supply across Iraq. During 2025, the region supplied nearly 1.2 million tons of agricultural products to markets in southern and central Iraq. This large volume helped cover shortages and stabilize food availability in many provinces.
Heyman Sayid Murad, Director General of Agriculture in Erbil, confirmed the figures in a statement to Ava News.He explained that agricultural authorities supported local farmers during both the winter and summer seasons. As a result, farmers successfully marketed their products beyond the Kurdistan Region.
According to Murad, government support included coordination with traders, easing transportation, and facilitating market access. These steps helped farmers sell their produce efficiently in southern and central Iraqi markets.
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kurdistan Region shows that in 2025 a total of 1,194,891 tons of vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products were shipped to the rest of Iraq.
Therefore, these exports reflect growing agricultural capacity in the Kurdistan Region. They also highlight the region’s increasing role in national food security.
The exported agricultural products mainly include crops that are either not produced locally in southern and central Iraq or whose production levels are insufficient to meet demand.
Key products supplied include:
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Watermelon and melon
- Apples and pomegranates
- Apricots and peaches
Potatoes, often referred to locally as underground apples, remain one of the most demanded products.
The majority of these agricultural supplies came from three governorates:
- Erbil: 600,000 tons
- Sulaymaniyah: 385,500 tons
- Duhok: 209,391 tons
Additionally, Erbil ranked first, reflecting its strong agricultural output and logistics capacity.These figures show that the Kurdistan Region has become a reliable supplier of agricultural products for Iraq.
At the same time, the exports support local farmers, increase income, and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Experts say continued investment in agriculture could further reduce Iraq’s dependence on imports and improve food stability nationwide.
