Halabja farm becomes a tourist attraction with over 120 agricultural products
Developed over the past four years, the farm promotes local products and draws more than 1,500 visitors daily.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A 115-dunam farm in Halabja, known as Kurdistan Farm, has become a significant tourist destination, producing over 120 agricultural products.
Developed over the past four years, the farm promotes local products and draws more than 1,500 visitors daily.
Kurdistan Farm, nestled in the lush surroundings of Halabja, is a testament to the perseverance of Kurdish farming. Established more than a decade ago by forward-thinking farmer Hamid Ismail, this artistic agritourism endeavor has redefined the relationship between farmers, customers, and the land, transforming barren fields into a flourishing oasis.
Spanning over 10 hectares, the farm cultivates over 105 different agricultural products using sustainable farming practices.
Visitors to the farm, such as Snawbar Sattar, enjoy the unique experience of handpicking their produce. "It feels nice to handpick these vegetables yourself; also, if I ever have guests, I take them here as well," Sattar told Kurdistan24 correspondent Hero Mawloodi.
She added that the farm offers a variety of fresh products like tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, grapes, and more, making it a beautiful and practical tourist spot.
At the heart of Kurdistan Farm lies its bustling weekly market, where visitors can sample the region’s finest produce, freshly harvested from the farm’s abundant fields.
The market offers a sensory feast with its vibrant fields and orchards, offering grilled fish from the farm’s ponds, fresh juice, and cozy tea houses and cafes.
Hamid Ismail, the owner of Kurdistan Farm, emphasized the farm's role in promoting local products and community empowerment. “The idea occurred to us to open such a farm/marketplace. We were the first to open the door of our farm to tourists so that they can reap and gather the crops we have with their own hands, which will be a bridge between tourists and farmers," he said.
The farm has created jobs for over thirty people, providing economic stability to the surrounding community. Additionally, it serves as a learning center for sustainable agriculture practices, hosting workshops and training sessions.
The transformational potential of agriculture is central to the ethos of Kurdistan Farm. Ismail has turned what was once barren and unproductive terrain into a bounty of agricultural abundance.
From verdant vineyards to sprawling olive groves, every corner of the farm tells a story of perseverance and renewal.
Kurdistan Farm is a pioneer in agritourism, believed to be the first project of its kind in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. It has set the standard for similar initiatives, inspiring a new generation of farmers and entrepreneurs to explore agriculture as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation.
Beyond its agricultural significance, the farm offers picturesque scenery and has become a magnet for photographers and sightseers, capturing the essence of Kurdish hospitality and tradition.
The success of this farm has prompted suggestions for similar projects to be established throughout Kurdistan to promote local agriculture and tourism.
In addition to its agricultural offerings, Kurdistan Farm has become a favorite destination for tourists seeking to capture the beauty of rural life. This unique blend of agriculture, hospitality, and community spirit makes Kurdistan Farm more than just a farm; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and innovation.
As the farm grows and expands, it acts as a catalyst for future generations’ economic success and sustainable development in the area.
