Environmental changes threaten agriculture in Bazyan sub-district
Experts point out that the industrial sector and emissions of harmful gases are among the biggest threats to the environment.
Erbil (Kurdistan24) – The world is facing significant environmental changes, and the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are not exempt from these threats.
Experts point out that the industrial sector and emissions of harmful gases are among the biggest threats to the environment.
In Bazyan sub-district, located between Kirkuk and Chamchamal, a significant agricultural hub can be observed. From the sky, numerous greenhouses are visible, each producing more than 10 tons of vegetables annually.
This area is primarily dedicated to the production of cucumbers. However, fluctuations in weather temperatures and low rainfall levels have directly impacted greenhouse production.
Bahroz Kamal, a farmer, explained to Kurdistan24's correspondent Dalia Kamal, “The diseases affecting crops are mainly fungal infections, which form due to moisture and reduce growth. Warmer weather inside the greenhouses accelerates growth, but if it becomes cold and humid, excessive humidity stunts growth.”
Bazyan is known for its fertile soil, suitable for producing various agricultural products in the Kurdistan Region.
Approximately 60% to 70% of the greenhouses in Sulaimani province are located in Bazyan, producing cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines.
Notably, 80% of the total vegetable production is cucumbers, which are exported to all Iraqi provinces annually due to high production levels.
Mohammed Hussein, another farmer, highlighted the quality of cucumber production in Bazyan, saying, “The cucumber production in Bazyan is first class. Many experienced farmers from Salahaddin, Anbar, and Baghdad come to farm here alongside their Kurdish brothers.”
Climate change has not only affected greenhouse products but has also created problems for irrigated crops.
Tahsin Mohsin, an agricultural engineer, noted, “Climate change also affects agriculture. For example, in previous years, there was no rain on May 20, but this year it rained, which has a huge impact on agriculture.”
According to agricultural data from Bazyan, the area of agricultural land in the town is approximately 53,000 dunams, with 15,913 dunams of cultivated land and 42,915 dunams of arable land.
