Duhok Expects Record Potato Harvest of 600,000 Tons Amid Strong Regional Demand
“We have planted 48,000 hectares with potatoes across Duhok, and we estimate the total harvest to reach around 600,000 tons,” Ahmed Jameel said.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Directorate of Agriculture in Duhok announced on Thursday that the province is poised for a record-breaking harvest of 600,000 tons of potatoes this year, following the successful cultivation of 48,000 hectares of farmland.
In a statement to Kurdistan 24, Duhok Agriculture Director Ahmed Jameel revealed that the scale of this year's potato cultivation marks a significant milestone in the province’s agricultural output. “We have planted 48,000 hectares with potatoes across Duhok, and we estimate the total harvest to reach around 600,000 tons,” he said.
Local Market Supplied, Focus Shifts to Export
According to Jameel, existing potato reserves in Duhok have been exhausted, and due to a government-imposed import ban, the market is now fully reliant on local production. “The quantities currently in storage are only sufficient for the ongoing season,” he added.
With local market demand now met, Duhok is shifting focus toward international exports. Jameel confirmed plans to supply surplus produce to neighboring countries. “This year, after satisfying domestic needs, we will export potatoes to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and southern Iraq,” he said.
Annual Exports Boosted by KRG Support
Jameel noted that thanks to continued support from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), potato exports from Duhok have grown steadily year after year. “Each year, with government backing, we export potatoes to various countries. While shipments to the Gulf are made by air, the majority of our produce is transported to southern and central parts of Iraq,” he explained.
In 2024, Duhok exported approximately 5,000 tons of potatoes to different parts of Iraq—a figure expected to rise significantly this year as production scales up and market reach expands.
As one of the Kurdistan Region’s agricultural powerhouses, Duhok continues to demonstrate its potential as a strategic hub for food security and agricultural trade, both within Iraq and beyond.
