IRAQ Food, Agriculture and Irrigation 30 years ago Iraq produced more food than they required – a NET EXPORTER Presently Iraq IMPORTS 60 – 70% of its food requirements

…..Affects of the Regime

…..Affects of the Regime Agriculture was a centralised controlled system – control and restrictions was implemented on ownership and leasehold of land, subsidised farm supplies, cleaning of irrigation and drainage channels, markets and farmer organisations resulting in a continuing decline in agricultural production. Drastic lack of investment of Agricultural mechanisation, supplies and agro process industry – this has resulted in a worn down sector badly needing investments, spare parts, supplies and introduction of new technologies. Very limited Human Resources Development at all levels. Public Distribution System (PDS) providing the people with essential commodities at nominal prices. This however has resulted in a situation where most of the population is depending on these rations, the agricultural production and market situation was distorted and a market driven agricultural production was rudimentary. Continuing war and unrest situations have resulted in loss of active manpower, destruction and looting of facilities. The South generally did not get the supplies and investments to the same extent as the north due to tribal prejudice thus resulting the South generally being worse off than the rest of Iraq.

Situation and Potential Natural Resources. Large areas suitable for agricultural production, water for irrigation and fishery and suitable climatic conditions including rainfall in some areas sufficient for rain-fed cropping. Human Resources. A population who have a great tradition and cultural background for agriculture and trade and who are keen to work and develop themselves if they get a chance. Domestic and Regional Market. There is a large domestic and regional market for food and agricultural produce. A market-led economy and private sector development is initiated and thus opening up for agricultural business opportunities.

Food and Agricultural Sub Sectors in South requiring International Business Cooperation Private Sector Development. Establishment by International Companies with Iraqi business entities for import and sale of food, farm supplies, machinery and spare parts as well as investments in production, manufacturing and food processing and marketing. Primary Production. Improvement of technologies and investments in tomato production and handling, other crop production including crop protection, irrigation, poultry and livestock including animal health, fisheries and aquaculture, Agro Industry and Food Processing. Improvements and investments include the following areas: Post harvest storage including cold storage, handling and processing. Seed industry. Feed milling industry. Red and white meat slaughter and processing facilities. Dairy industry. Date, fruit and vegetable processing, handling and marketing. (specifically tomatoes) Fish processing. Farm mechanization and irrigation equipment. Fertilizer industry. Sugar industry. Human Resources Development and Capacity Building. The international business cooperation is seen as a very important party to train and develop the capacity of their Iraqi partners and staff.

Potable Water

Initially X3 sites have so far been found and preliminary tests show the water is drinkable straight from the ground. This has gone for further analysis and if they are suitable bottling plants may be established.

Human Resources & Capacity Development

Institutional Development – Rehabilitation and upgrading of Agricultural Colleges, Agricultural Training Institutes, Laboratories, Research Centres. - Upgrading of Date Palm Research Activities in relation to preservation of genetic material and quick multiplication through tissue culture - Extension training and farming field school approaches - Close linkages through established International Universities and Training Institutes.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Development These resources need to be exploited in relation to the fishing potential and the domestic and regional market. Fish has always been and still is an important element in the traditional food

Tomato Production

Fruit and vegetable shop in Basra

Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems Reclamation of land for irrigation Cleaning of irrigation and drainage canals Development of boreholes/wells Major improvements are required to optimise irrigation and drainage and to rehabilitate and reclaim suitable areas.

Tidal Irrigation/Drainage Canal

Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems

Desertification / Shelterbelt Programme To reduce the spread of the desert Reduce wind erosion Protect the crops and environment To help establish better microclimates Major investment has to be done in order to make a real impact Over a 3-5 year period the southern region would require funding in the order of 50 million$ for this programme

and Reclamation Programme Date Palm Restoration and Reclamation Programme Production reduced heavily over the last 2-3 decades. Iraq date crops were known as the best quality in the world, and it is believed this branding should be regained in order to obtain high prices on the global market again, if produced, processed and marketed in the right way. Need to establish nursery facilities including tissue culture technique, to accelerate production of new planting material in high quantities.

Integrated Livestock and Poultry Production

Poultry production needs major investments to come on stream at the level required to satisfy the domestic market Some existing poultry production and processing facilities can be renovated by minor investments. A range of new facilities may be established on private basis. Import of machinery and supplies is required.

Sheep are of good quality and there is a big export market of live animals to neighbouring countries An increase of the production of fodder and feed by investment and improved animal health would accelerate the quality and quantity available for this market

………THE BRIGHT FUTURE Iraq now has the opportunity to develop their natural and human resources in a sustainable way to establish national food security and to enter the regional and global food markets on a competitive basis. The following overall measures are in the process: Facilitation of a market-led economy and private sector development. Promotion and facilitation of international food and agro-industry business cooperation and trade with Iraq. Expanding cooperation with international multilateral and bi-lateral donor and financing organisations and agencies. Promotion and facilitation of cooperation with international Human Resources Development organisations.