Strong Agricultural Growth and Strategic Partnerships Drive Kurdistan’s Potato Export Success
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq continues to strengthen its position in the global potato market with a successful export of 600 tons of potatoes to Qamishlo and Hasakah in Western Kurdistan. The export, which took place on August 19, 2024, was facilitated by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and marks a significant milestone in the region’s agricultural development. According to Bashar Moshir of K.H. Potato Investment and Export Company, the potatoes were transported from Duhok through the Pishkhabur gate, reflecting the growing demand for KRG potatoes in Syria and Western Kurdistan.
This latest shipment is part of a broader strategy to expand Kurdistan’s agricultural exports, following a larger transaction in July 2024, where 5,000 tons of potatoes were exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2023, Kurdistan exported 13,000 tons of potatoes to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and projections for 2024 suggest that exports could surpass 25,000 tons to Gulf countries. These achievements underscore the region’s significant production capacity, which now exceeds 800,000 tons annually.
The Nawkuri plain in the Bardarash district of Duhok province is a major contributor to this success, producing over 300,000 tons of potatoes each year. Kurdistan’s diverse potato production includes approximately 30 varieties, recognized for their high quality throughout the Middle East. The region’s focus on agricultural growth, coupled with strategic export partnerships, has positioned Kurdistan as a key player in the potato industry.
As the KRG continues to invest in local agriculture, the region’s export potential is expected to grow. The increasing demand for Kurdistan’s potatoes in both neighboring regions and the Gulf states highlights the success of these initiatives and the positive impact on local farmers and the economy. These developments are a testament to Kurdistan’s ongoing commitment to advancing its agricultural sector and building a sustainable future for its farmers.
