KRG Provides Subsidized Wheat Seeds to Farmers Amid Concerns Over Low Rainfall

The Kurdistan Region currently has more than 40,000 farmers, many of whom are dependent on government funding and support to sustain their livelihoods.

A Kurdish farmer planting seeds at his farm. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
A Kurdish farmer planting seeds at his farm. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Jan. 24, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - As the planting season starts, the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources has distributed 4,000 tons of wheat seeds to farmers at subsidized rates.

However, concerns loom over this year’s wheat harvest because of reduced rainfall.

Annual Support for Farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources continues its yearly tradition of backing up farmers by distributing seeds at prices below market rates.

Rezhin Sadiq, Director of Production and Seed Approval, told Kurdistan24 that the ministry provided wheat seeds at 600,000 Iraqi dinars per ton, considerably lower than the market cost of 1 million dinars per ton.

“This initiative is part of the government’s attempt to support farmers and inspire agricultural productivity in the Kurdistan Region,” Sadiq explained.

Distribution Statistics

Over the years, the ministry’s distribution of seeds has changed, reflecting the shifting agricultural necessities and challenges faced by farmers. The annual seed distribution data highlights this trend:

  • 2019: 2,170 tons to 1,082 farmers
  • 2020: 1,678 tons to 1,205 farmers
  • 2021: 5,393 tons to 3,930 farmers
  • 2022: 6,520 tons to 4,188 farmers
  • 2023: 682.5 tons to 457 farmers
  • 2025: 4,000 tons (distributed so far)

These figures underscore the ministry’s adaptive approach to assisting farmers during changing climatic and economic conditions.

Challenges Ahead: Reduced Rainfall

On Thursday, the KRG’s Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources cautioned that reduced rainfall would potentially result in a lower wheat yield compared to the previous year.

This announcement comes as the region wrestles with climate change and water scarcity issues, which have added extra pressure on the agricultural sector.

The Kurdistan Region currently has more than 40,000 farmers, many of whom are dependent on government funding and support to sustain their livelihoods.

The combination of subsidized seeds and other agricultural assistance intends to alleviate the impact of environmental challenges.

Supporting the Agricultural Sector

The Ministry of Agriculture’s continued efforts to provide reasonably priced seeds demonstrate its commitment to assisting farmers and maintaining food security in the region.

However, the lower wheat yield projected for this year underlines the pressing necessity for maintainable water management and climate-resilient farming practices.

While the subsidized seeds are a significant lifeline for farmers, experts suggest that the KRG should center on broader initiatives, including irrigation infrastructure improvements, water conservation programs, and farmer education to tackle the long-term challenges posed by changing weather patterns.

As the Kurdistan Region navigates these challenges, the government’s capability to adjust its agricultural policies will be central in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the farming sector.