PM Masrour Barzani inaugurates Qushtapa silo, promises continued support for farmers
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the Qushtapa Silo in Erbil, marking a significant step in the region's agricultural development.
The newly opened facility underscores the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) commitment to supporting local farmers and enhancing food security.
Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the government's ongoing negotiations with the federal government to ensure that a substantial amount of wheat is procured from farmers in the Kurdistan Region.
"We will support the farmers of the Kurdistan Region in every way and, with the cooperation of the private sector, we will work to promote and develop the food industry," Barzani stated during the opening ceremony.
Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani participated in the opening ceremony for Qushtapa Silo, in Erbil, emphasizing "We will support farmers in any way possible." pic.twitter.com/8127MSaSUZ
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) June 25, 2024
The Qushtapa Silo, located in the Qushtapa district of Erbil province, represents a significant investment by the The Ministry of Trade and Industry of the KRG, built at a cost of 21 billion 276 million 835 thousand dinars.
The facility boasts a storage capacity of 40,000 tons of wheat and grain, providing a crucial infrastructure for the region's agricultural sector.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani toured the silo's sections and observed the process of receiving wheat from local farmers.
He highlighted the importance of building such facilities as part of the government's broader agenda to support agriculture and ensure the proper storage of farmers' products.
"Agriculture is the backbone of the Kurdistan Region's economy, and we want our farmers to be assured that their products are not wasted," Barzani said. He noted that this year's grain production has seen an increase, reinforcing the need for efficient storage solutions and government support.
While the KRG's demands have been partially met by the federal government, Barzani acknowledged that the response has not fully aligned with the region's expectations.
Nevertheless, he reiterated the government's unwavering support for Kurdistan's farmers and its commitment to working with the private sector to further develop the food industry.
The opening of the Qushtapa Silo marks a significant milestone in the KRG's efforts to bolster the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and fostering economic growth in the Kurdistan Region.
Today, we opened a 40,000 ton capacity silo in Qushtapa with an investment of over $16mn.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) June 25, 2024
This allows local farmers to store and increase their crop yields.
We’re backing the agriculture sector to meet the growing demand in the Kurdistan Region. pic.twitter.com/DW8fTuKhcz