by PressAmber rice production is under threat in Iraq
Iraq cuts rice production due to drought
Weather conditions in Iraq proved to be highly harsh for local agricultural producers. The prolonged drought combined with high temperatures negatively affects the volume and quality of grain crops. First of all, the Amber variety of rice was under threat.
The lack of sufficient rainfall in Iraq is observed for three years, as a result, the volume of cultivation of crops declined to critical levels. Experts already note that this season’s production of amber rice will be more symbolic than of any value in terms of sales.
Traditionally fields are sown with grain in May and for proper ripening, the sprouts should be submerged until October. However, due to the difficult economic situation in the country, local farmers cannot afford to fill the fields with water all that time. The situation was aggravated by the fact that due to the prolonged drought, water reserves dropped below the critical level, which for Iraq is 18 billion cubic meters.
The entire cycle of rice production, which takes about 5 months, requires 10-12 billion cubic meters of water. Lack of moisture makes it very difficult to grow the crop, not only in the aridest regions but all over the country.
The Amber variety of rice is distinguished by its long grains and characteristic smell of tree resin. This grain is the basis of many traditional Iraqi dishes, such as lamb quzi or stuffed vegetables.
More than 70% of amber rice was produced in Diwaniyah Province and neighboring regions, but lack of water made adjustments to the cultivation of the grain. The government limited the area for rice cultivation, now to 1,000 hectares, although previously the fields covered an area 35 times larger. As a result of the water shortage, quotas for wheat farmers have also had to be reduced.
Traditionally Iraq used to produce about 300 thousand tons of rice, but this year the volume will be much less.
Geopolitical tensions in the world and the inability of major exporters to supply grain led to a crisis in the food market, which primarily hit low-income countries. Iraq was also at risk, and the government passed a new law to reduce the risk of food shortages. According to it, the authorities will allocate about $17 billion to buy wheat and other crops. Part of these funds will go to purchase gas, as well as to pay salaries.
In addition to the global crisis, the country has internal political problems that hinder the adoption of laws, thereby exacerbating difficulties.