Government Plans to Market and Export Surplus to Gulf Countries
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Kurdistan Region requires 100,000 tons of potatoes annually. However, this year’s production is expected to surpass 650,000 tons, with over 300,000 tons produced in the Nawkur plains alone. This significant surplus presents both opportunities and challenges for local farmers and the regional economy.
The government is actively working to market and export the excess potatoes, particularly targeting Gulf countries. This initiative aims to support local farmers by providing them with broader market access, thus encouraging them to expand and enhance their agricultural practices.
Experts in agriculture emphasize the importance of exporting surplus produce to markets outside the Kurdistan Region. They argue that such efforts not only help balance local supply and demand but also provide farmers with the necessary incentives to innovate and grow their businesses.
Since 2009, the Nawkur Plain has experienced a surge in potato farming, becoming the central hub of potato production in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Annually, over 3,000 hectares of potatoes are cultivated in the Nawkur plain within the Bardarash district of Duhok province. This region has become a critical area for both industrial and edible potato production.
Potatoes in the Kurdistan Region are categorized into industrial potatoes, which are processed into six types of chips and fingerlings, and edible potatoes, which come in approximately thirty varieties. The planting season for potatoes runs from February 1 to March 1, with harvesting commencing in early June. The conventional planting technique involves placing roots at a depth of 20 cm and spacing them 25 cm apart.
With this year’s record production, the Kurdistan Region stands at a pivotal moment in its agricultural development. The successful marketing and export of surplus potatoes could significantly benefit local farmers, boost the regional economy, and establish the Kurdistan Region as a key player in the global potato market.
