Iraq spends $300 million annually on agricultural imports.
Iraq spends $300 million annually on agricultural imports.
3-31-2025
Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Furat al-Tamimi confirmed on Monday that Iraq spends approximately $300 million annually on importing agricultural crops from neighboring countries, despite possessing the potential to achieve self-sufficiency.
Al-Tamimi told Al-Maalouma, “Iraq possesses significant advantages in the agricultural sector that enable it to move beyond self-sufficiency and reach exporting, especially since experience has proven its success in this regard by adopting a comprehensive strategy based on modern agricultural technology, which ensures economic feasibility in production and reduces the impact of drought and scarce water resources.”
He added, “Iraq spends at least $250 to $300 million annually to import agricultural crops. This is a huge sum of money that could be directed towards supporting local production, which would contribute to enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imports.”
He pointed out the “need to develop a strategic plan that ensures sustainable self-sufficiency throughout the year, so that these funds remain part of farmers’ income, contributing to economic recovery in villages and rural areas and reducing the losses incurred by the agricultural sector in past seasons.”
It’s worth noting that the agricultural sector in Iraq faces significant challenges, most notably water scarcity, climate change, and weak government support, leading to declining production and increased reliance on imports.
almaalomah.me
