Iraq: Decree to promote local production

Though Kurdistan Region has a vast area of fertile agricultural lands and the weather is very good for agriculture, the agricultural sector in the region is currently suffering from negligence and reduced activity and capacity.

Kurdistan Regional Government, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources ban the import of vegetables into the region for the purpose of protecting domestic agricultural production and promoting farmers to increase their production, and at the same time help them to market their products. This decree has been effective on April 25th, beginning with cucumbers.

It would not have a significant effect over the cucumber prices in the market and would not harm the consumers, as the domestic cucumber is already grown in greenhouses and ready to be supplied to the markets and fill demands.

This and many other factors have led to the heavy dependence of the Kurdish markets on imported agricultural products, mostly from neighbours countries. And this shortage in the local production capacity and heavy dependence on imports has been strengthened by the water shortage and drought that the region suffered since the past two years.

However, it is expected that the situation would significantly improve this year as a result of this protection plan and the considerable amount of raining during the winter and spring season.