Politics

PM Masrour Barzani highlights food security, economic diversification at Kavin Farm opening ceremony

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of food security for the Kurdistan Region, expressing pride in the region's progress toward achieving this goal.

Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani opening the Kavin Farm project. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani opening the Kavin Farm project. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan PM Masrour Barzani Kavin Farm Food security economic diversification

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, officially inaugurated the Kavin Farm project in the Semel district of Duhok province, a major agricultural initiative focused on raising cows and producing dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese for both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) commitment to diversifying its sources of revenue and highlighted the vital role the agricultural sector plays in advancing other key sectors, including industry and trade. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of food security for the Kurdistan Region, expressing pride in the region's progress toward achieving this goal.

Full Transcript of PM Masrour Barzani’s Speech

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dear and Valued Audience,

Thank you for your gracious presence. Two years ago, we gathered here to lay the cornerstone of this project. Today, we celebrate its grand opening. The progress made over these two years is truly commendable. I am immensely proud that such significant projects are being undertaken in the Kurdistan Region, and this dairy production facility stands as a strategic cornerstone of the Semel region.

This project will benefit not only the entire Duhok province but also the Kurdistan Region as a whole. Many strategic initiatives are concentrated in the Semel region, highlighting its pivotal role in our development. We hope that the people of this region will reap the rewards of these projects. They certainly deserve much more, and we are committed to implementing future projects that cater to their needs, whether it be in terms of services, economic development, or any other aspect that will enhance the lives of the citizens of Kurdistan.

The dairy production facility we inaugurate today is a substantial project that will positively impact the economy of the Kurdistan Region and create numerous job opportunities for the local people. This project alone has the potential to generate hundreds of jobs, and as it expands, these opportunities will grow, enabling our people to not only work here but also acquire new skills. Gradually, this project will pave the way for others.

Our government's policy of economic diversification aims to reduce our reliance on a single source of income. Prioritizing the agricultural sector is crucial for the development of all other sectors. We aspire to achieve food security throughout the Kurdistan Region, ensuring that our people are no longer dependent on imported food products. In the event of a crisis, a strong food security system will safeguard our nation from food shortages.

Providing food for the people of Kurdistan is one of our primary objectives, and I am delighted to see such projects being implemented across all provinces of the Kurdistan Region without discrimination.

Ensuring food security is paramount for any country and nation. I am pleased that the Kurdistan Region is making strides toward achieving this goal.

Creating jobs for our people is another priority, and we have always encouraged collaboration between the private sector and the government. This approach ensures that people are not solely reliant on government employment but can also explore opportunities in the private sector. By implementing such projects, we are empowering our citizens to choose between public and private sector employment. Each project will catalyze the development of others. For instance, industrial projects often require agricultural equipment, management, repairs, and support, creating a ripple effect that drives industrial growth. We intend to invest significantly in the industrial sector to provide our people with more opportunities to contribute to Kurdistan's development and work in diverse fields.

This project will also have a significant impact on trade. We have made substantial efforts to connect Kurdistan to global markets, facilitating the export of domestic products. We have successfully exported agricultural products from Kurdistan to the Gulf region and other countries, marking a promising beginning. This will enable the Kurdistan economy to achieve a balanced trade position, reducing our dependence on imports and promoting the export of local products. Such projects will play a vital role in organizing trade relations with other countries, contributing to the development of a robust economy for Kurdistan.

I am also gratified to witness the extensive tree planting and greening initiatives undertaken in this project. These efforts are commendable for environmental protection. The pond you have constructed for water collection is a valuable asset, enabling us to make better use of the natural resources bestowed upon us by Allah. The greenery will positively impact air quality and provide a suitable habitat for animals and livestock. Environmental protection should become a cultural norm. We will actively support the integration of green spaces and tree planting in all future projects.

I believe that these projects are not isolated initiatives but will serve as catalysts for broader development, leading to the growth of the Kurdistan economy.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Kavin Group for establishing Kavin Farm. It is a remarkable achievement. I hope your continued success and may your products benefit all the people of Kurdistan. May Kurdistan continue to prosper day by day.