Nabaz Rafat: The Region is moving toward food security and becoming a food basket for itself and neighboring markets
Over the past several years, the agricultural sector in the Kurdistan Region has undergone a historic and strategic transformation. After decades of dependence on oil revenues, agricultural development, food security, and the industrialization of local products have become key pillars of the Region’s economic vision.
To discuss these developments, challenges, and future plans, The Kurdish Globe conducted an exclusive interview with Nabaz Rafat, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Rafat said the agricultural sector has witnessed major progress across different fields, transforming agriculture from a traditional sector into a modern and strategic industry.
“This cabinet was a cabinet of strategy. Our projects were strategic projects, and all our actions and steps complemented one another,” Rafat told The Kurdish Globe.
He said the support and vision of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, head of the Ninth Cabinet, played a major role in this transformation.
“The Prime Minister’s vision and support moved agriculture from an old and stagnant system toward a vibrant and modern stage. This attracted the attention of local and foreign investors, and today the Kurdistan Region has the ability to provide a food basket for itself and surrounding areas,” he said.
Rafat explained that the Region has achieved self-sufficiency in many agricultural sectors, while production in some areas has exceeded domestic demand several times. He highlighted the poultry sector as one of the strongest examples.
“Previously, we had around 1,500 poultry projects operating under old standards and with limited capacity. Today, more than 500 new projects have been established, and their production capacity alone has surpassed the previous projects,” he said.
He added that egg production has reached 24,000 to 25,000 cartons daily, while domestic demand is between 7,000 and 8,000 cartons. “This has filled markets in central and southern Iraq. We are now working to export these high-quality eggs abroad, but administrative procedures and the lack of cooperation from the Iraqi government remain obstacles,” Rafat said.
He also noted that chicken meat production has reached nearly 300,000 tons annually, compared with domestic demand of around 150,000 to 160,000 tons.
Rafat highlighted progress in horticulture, saying olive, pistachio, and fruit orchard projects have expanded significantly. He pointed to pomegranate cultivation as a successful example, saying the Region now has between 20,000 and 25,000 dunams of advanced pomegranate orchards.
He added that vegetable production has grown substantially, with annual production exceeding 2 million tons, including around 600,000 tons of tomatoes and 600,000 tons of potatoes. More than seven major French fry and chip factories now depend on locally produced potatoes.
Rafat also highlighted specialized agricultural projects, including a rare initiative involving the use of scorpion venom for medical purposes. “Twenty-five percent of scorpions are venomous. Hunters collect them and sell them to project owners, where they are quarantined. Despite the difficulties and risks, this has become a successful project,” he said.
Regarding government support, Rafat said the Ministry continues to assist farmers through fertilizers, pesticides, and improved seeds. In the wheat sector, farmers receive high-quality and resistant seeds at subsidized prices, and their production is later purchased at prices often higher than international market rates.
Despite financial challenges facing the Kurdistan Regional Government, Rafat said support for farmers has continued. “Although it may not have reached all expectations, within these difficult circumstances it has been at a good level,” he said.
He described strategic agricultural products, especially wheat, as national wealth. Rafat said the Region currently produces between 800,000 and one million tons of high-quality wheat and has storage capacity of nearly one million tons through public and private sector silos.
“Agricultural infrastructure reflects the strength and position of countries. Agriculture can become a strong pillar of economic stability and national security in the Kurdistan Region,” he said.
On water resources, Rafat said major progress has been made in protecting water supplies and expanding storage capacity. He noted that approval was granted for 14 dams during the Ninth Cabinet, with eight already completed. These projects have increased water storage capacity by around 160 million cubic meters.
He added that water ponds have also expanded, with the total number reaching 125 and expected to rise to 160.
Regarding dairy and livestock production, Rafat said projects established during the current cabinet now provide around 50 percent of the Region’s domestic milk needs. He added that livestock imports are subject to strict veterinary and quarantine inspections, while meat production has shifted toward modern and standardized facilities.
Rafat concluded that agriculture has become a strategic sector for the Kurdistan Region’s future, strengthening food security, attracting investment, and reducing dependence on imports.
By: Frsat Said Shkur