The second Rice and Local Agricultural Products Festival has concluded in Harir after three days of activities showcasing the district’s agricultural products, traditional foods and handicrafts.
Held at Harir Park, the festival brought together government officials, local administrators, community figures, farmers and business owners to promote local agriculture and support the region’s producers.
At the opening ceremony, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw thanked the organizers and highlighted the importance of developing the agricultural sector and supporting local farmers. He described the Harir plain as one of the Kurdistan Region’s fertile agricultural areas, with a long history of farming.
A total of 110 farmers and business owners from the area participated in the festival, displaying a wide range of products, including locally grown rice, natural and dairy products, handicrafts and traditional Kurdish foods. The event provided farmers with a direct opportunity to sell their products and connect with customers from different parts of the region.
The festival has grown significantly since its first edition. More than 33,000 visitors and buyers attended last year’s event, while this year’s attendance nearly doubled, according to the organizers. The number of tents displaying products also increased several times compared with the previous year.
The event aims to strengthen the local economy, increase public awareness of agricultural products and encourage tourism in Harir. By bringing producers and consumers together, the festival also offers local farmers an opportunity to expand their markets and generate additional income.
Located northeast of Erbil, approximately 57 kilometres from the city centre, Harir covers an area of 1,275 square kilometres and lies 699 metres above sea level. Its agricultural potential makes it an important area for supporting food security and increasing local production.
Continued investment in agriculture and initiatives such as the Harir festival could help diversify income sources, strengthen rural businesses and support farmers across the Kurdistan Region.
