Agriculture

KRG publishes pomegranate export statistics

The Ninth Cabinet has touted the Intiative's achievements, claiming that the massive demand for the produce has “underscored their increased global appeal.”

Kurdistan 24 2023/12/02 22:48

A cluster of pomegranates on display at the 9th annual Halabja Pomegranates and Autumn Festival, Nov. 2, 2023. (Photo: Dana Hama Gharib/Kurdistan 24)

Kurdistan Pomegranates KRG Agriculture Export Initiative Hanar

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Launched in Mar. 2022, the Kurdistan Agriculture Export Initiative (KAEI) is a “blueprint for fostering sustainable agriculture exports” to the Gulf countries, according to a pamphlet provided by the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ninth Cabinet administration.

Production of pomegranates has increased significantly this year to 70,000 tons in the Kurdistan Region. The Initiative has a goal of exporting 100 tons by the end of 2023, with 40 tons having already been exported to the Gulf region, the brochure noted.

Moreover, the Intiative's objectives are described as twofold: expand pomegranate exports outside of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and promote involvement and participation of more farmers and private businesses.

The Ninth Cabinet has touted the project's achievements, claiming that the massive demand for the produce has “underscored their increased global appeal.”

Increased media coverage of the project has drawn in more and more farmers to participate, with a current total of 11 farms and 20 farmers contributing, the Cabinet further noted.

The project's air freight method of transportation ensures “superior quality, freshness, and speed,” which, combined with its low price point, gives it an unrivaled competitive standing in the Gulf markets.

Locally, the project has led to the creation of 700 jobs in the sovereign Kurdish region.