Duhok hosted its first Potato Festival, highlighting the province’s growing role as a major centre of potato production in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The event aimed to promote local agricultural products, support farmers, and explore new domestic and international markets.
The three day festival brought together around 50 farmers who showcased different varieties of potatoes alongside other local products. About 50 tents were set up for the occasion, with farmers, agricultural companies, and several restaurants displaying potato based foods and related items. The festival also focused on introducing modern agricultural technologies and strengthening links between producers and markets.
Duhok remains a key source of potato production for both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In recent years, the Kurdistan Regional Government has prioritised the agricultural sector, leading to a steady increase in potato output. The Consulate General of the Netherlands in the Kurdistan Region supported the festival, reflecting international interest in local agricultural development.
One of the highlights of the event was the first public display in Iraq of two new potato varieties, Atra and Yusuf. These varieties were developed by Duhok University and officially registered with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture in 2023. More than 120 tonnes of these potatoes are currently available in local markets.
More than 800 farmers in Duhok province are involved in potato cultivation. This year’s production is expected to exceed 600,000 tonnes, enabling the province not only to meet local demand but also to export potatoes abroad.
The festival forms part of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s broader strategy to support agriculture and strengthen food security. In recent years, similar festivals have provided farmers with opportunities to access markets and promote their products.
Potatoes produced in Duhok are known for their quality and diversity and are in demand in regional and international markets. Exports already reach Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with ongoing efforts to expand into additional markets, including South Africa.
