The Kurdistan Region in Iraq is exporting more than 3,000 tons of locally produced fruits and vegetables each day, according to the General Directorate of Agriculture in Erbil. Tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers account for most of the shipments, reflecting both production levels and surpluses beyond local consumption.
On Sunday, Hemin Sayed Murad, Director General of Agriculture in Erbil, told Kurdistan 24 that by 10 a.m., over 100 trucks loaded with produce had already left the region, with expectations that the number would reach 200 by the end of the day. He reported that close to 250,000 tons of Kurdish produce have been exported to markets outside the Region since the start of the season.
"Every day, more than 3,000 tons of local produce are exported, especially tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers," Murad said. "All these products flooding the markets are from our own farmers and exceed local demand, which is why exports are permitted without restrictions."
He noted that the government supports traders who purchase local produce and confirmed that exports are permitted not only to markets in the Kurdistan Region but also to Iraqi cities under Baghdad's federal administration. "We are working seriously to ensure no authority blocks farmers' exports, whether in Sulaimani, Duhok, or any other part of Kurdistan," he added.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has identified agriculture as part of its economic diversification strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on oil revenues and strengthen food security. Officials report that investment in farming infrastructure, irrigation, and production has led to higher yields in wheat, barley, and dairy. Greenhouse cultivation and modern farming methods are also being promoted, allowing year-round supply to local markets and reducing dependence on imports.
Agriculture is included in the KRG's wider policy to support non-oil sectors. Alongside farming, the government has invested in tourism and manufacturing to create employment and build revenue streams less exposed to global oil price fluctuations. By investing in these areas, the Kurdistan Region seeks to strengthen domestic food supply, limit trade imbalances, and position itself as a competitive hub for agribusiness and industrial development within Iraq and the wider region.
Source: Kurdistan 24