Shafaq News..Iraq achieves wheat and date self-sufficiency in 2026

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat and dates in the
2026 agricultural season, the Agriculture Ministry announced Friday, saying it
would continue measures to support domestic production and reduce reliance on
imports.

The Ministry spokesperson Qusay al-Hattab told Shafaq News
that Iraq had maintained wheat self-sufficiency for three consecutive
agricultural seasons, including the current 2026 season.

The ministry has developed new wheat seed varieties that are
tolerant of salinity and climate-related stresses, while providing farmers with
subsidized irrigation sprinklers through installment plans extending up to 10
years, with a one-year grace period, al-Hattab explained.

Irrigation systems supported through an Austrian loan
program receive a 33% subsidy, reducing the cost of a system to about 49
million Iraqi dinars from 70 million dinars (about $37,300, down from $53,000).

The remaining amount can be paid over 10 years following a
one-year grace period, he added, noting that the ministry also plans to
maintain wheat self-sufficiency next season under its winter agricultural plan.

Iraq has also achieved self-sufficiency in dates this year,
with the ministry working to preserve the country’s long history of date-palm
cultivation, the spokesperson said.

The number of date palms in Iraq has increased from about 12
million after 2003 to 22 million in 2026, according to al-Hattab. The increase
has helped boost production and achieve self-sufficiency in dates, with Zahdi
dates accounting for the largest share.

To reduce reliance on imported crops and agricultural
products, the ministry follows an agricultural calendar that imposes standing
import bans on 33 products, while another 15 are subject to temporary
restrictions that can be lifted when domestic supplies are insufficient,
al-Hattab explained.

“The import restrictions are intended to support domestic
producers, particularly when Iraqi crops, including fruits, vegetables, and
tomatoes, are available in sufficient quantities,” he added.

Decisions on import needs are based on assessments by
specialized committees within the ministry’s Planning and Follow-up Department.
The committees monitor markets and conduct daily or near-daily inspection
visits to Alawi Jameela, Al-Rashid, and Jameela markets before submitting
reports to the relevant authorities.

Import decisions are therefore not made automatically, he
stressed, but follow an assessment of market conditions. When domestic supplies
are sufficient, imports are unnecessary; if shortages emerge, the possibility
of allowing imports is considered after a detailed review.