Duhok expected to total 23,000 tons of rice produced in 2023

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Nearly 5,200 acres of land have been planted with rice in Duhok province this year, which is expected to finalize the production of 23,000 tons of rice in 2023 before the year comes to a close, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) media department. 

Ahmad Jameel, the province’s agriculture director, stated, “The ninth cabinet pays great attention to agricultural production and the markets for farmers' products, which has led to increased rice production and increased domestic rice demand. The Kurdistan Region requires 300,000 tons of rice yearly.”

Additionally, Mr. Jameel noted that several types of rice are grown in the Kurdistan Region, and he argued that the quality of Kurdistan rice is “superior to imported rice.”

“The price of rice in the markets is favorable for farmers this year, since rice is exported abroad, which is good support for farmers," said Aziz Muhammed, a farmer in Duhok, while referencing the concept of supply and demand.

“A new level has been reached in the agricultural sector under the ninth cabinet, allowing farmers to export and produce more easily," Muhammed added.

The Middle Eastern subcontinent, along with Asia as a whole, heavily relies on rice as a staple source of nutrition. Globally, around 517 million tons of rice are expected to be consumed in 2023.

Edited at 6:19 p.m. (GMT+3), D.M.A.