Iraq Business News brings you the latest news on developments and opportunities in Iraq agriculture.
By John Lee. A new video produced by USAID showcases the Al-Zatoon Olive Association's new processing plant in Ninawa province, home of the first mechanized olive oil presser in Iraq and a model for similar demonstration projects in Kurdistan, Salah al Din and the Tallafar district of Ninawa province. A new olive oil industry in […]
By John Lee. Iran has again has blocked the flow of water from the al-Wind [Wand, Alwand, Hulwan] river, in a move which has angered Iraqi farmers and citizens, according to PUKmedia. Protesters are demanding that Iran release water into the river, saying their fertile land turning barren because of the repeated cuts and shortages […]
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, Roz Nouri Shawees [Rowsch N Shaways] (pictured), has praised relations between Iraq and Russia in all fields, but particularly in the oil and gas sectors. In an interview with Russia Today TV, he said that "Iraqi doors are open to all Russian companies". He pointed out that Iraqi oil bids are transparent, and […]
The KRG's Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources had decided to ban the importation of more vegetables and fruit in order to boost the local production, reports AKnews. From the beginning of July it will impose the ban on sunflower seeds, watermelon, melon and eggplant, said Nuri Ismael, loan and marketing director at the Ministry. […]
The former CFO of Australia's AWB has admitted to authorising payments to Saddam Hussein's Iraqi government. According to a report in the Herald Sun, Paul John Ingleby, aged 60, admitted he failed to "join the dots" and question payments disguised as inland transport fees before approving the transactions which ultimately went to Hussein's regime. The […]
A source in the Iraqi trade ministry told Reuters on Thursday that Iraq bought 100,000 tonnes of rice from Argentina, Uruguay and Thailand following a tender that closed on 10th June: 30,000 tonnes will be sourced from Argentina; 30,000 tonnes from Uruguay; and, Commodity trading firm Olam International will supply Iraq with the 40,000 tonnes […]
AKnews reports that Iraq has received 31,000 tons of Uruguayan rice. Three Canadian ships "loaded with wheat" (sic) arrived at Iraqi ports as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen the food supply program on which 60 percent of Iraqis rely. The ministry started transferring the cargo that arrived through the port of Umm Qasr […]
By Layth Mahdi, Agricultural Advisor. The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. On-farm demonstration trials are used to teach farmers to improve their agricultural practices and increase yield. It serves as one of the most valuable extension education program to help farmers to […]
After almost 10 years, the former chief executive of Australia's AWB Ltd has admitted to four breaches of the law relating bribes paid to Saddam Hussein's government between 2001 and 2005 to secure wheat sales. According to the report in The Australian, Andrew Lindberg's four admissions relate to his having failed to tell the AWB […]
The Director General of Iraq's Grain Board expects wheat production to fall by 16 percent to 1.5 million metric tons this year because of drought, forcing the country to boost imports to 3 million tons. “Unfortunately, there is a drought this year in the northern provinces,” Ibrahim told Bloomberg. “Last year production was around 1.78 million […]
Kurdistan's Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources has announced a ban on importation of certain fruits and vegetables from next month, according to AKnews. The Marketing Director at the ministry, Nouri Ismael, said that this comes as a result of the region achieving self-sufficiency in these agricultural products. Peppers will be banned permanently, while cucumbers, […]
By Bob Nottelmann, crop production specialist with California Pacific Plant Exports (Cal Pacific) and Ekland Marketing of California (Emco). The introduction of commercial strawberry production in Iraq has been a satisfying success. Following the initial introduction of certified nursery stock to a few trial growers in 2009, the production of strawberries in the country has […]
