Kurdistan’s Path to Food Security: ‘Agriculture and Food’ Exhibition Showcases Progress

By Dler Mohammed

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at Salahaddin University-Erbil will host the "Agriculture and Food" exhibition on May 5 and 6, 2025, sponsored by Kurdistan24. This event, held under the theme "Developing the Agriculture Sector Guarantees Food Security," will showcase advancements in agriculture and underline the crucial link between agricultural development and food security.

The exhibition aims to provide a platform for farmers, industry professionals, and the public to explore the latest agricultural innovations, promoting a deeper understanding of how agricultural practices can contribute to ensuring food security in the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to view a wide range of agricultural products and technologies designed to enhance food production efficiency.

The event will take place at the exhibition hall of the Agricultural Engineering College, Salahaddin University, Erbil, and will run from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM on both days. The exhibition is expected to draw a broad audience, including government officials, academic experts, and private-sector stakeholders, all of whom will gather to discuss strategies and solutions for advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food security in the region. This exhibition comes at a critical time, emphasizing the importance of developing the agricultural sector as a key strategy for long-term food security.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has long recognized the critical importance of diversifying its economy, moving away from its dependency on oil revenues, and focusing on strengthening the agriculture sector. Agriculture has always played a significant role in the region’s history, with vast stretches of arable land and a climate suitable for a wide range of crops. In recent years, however, there has been a concerted push by the KRG to reinvigorate this sector, which had long been underdeveloped, to meet the growing demand for food security, boost local production, and create new non-oil revenue streams.

Through various policies and strategic initiatives, the KRG aims to modernize agricultural practices, improve infrastructure, and support farmers with better access to technology, finance, and training. Notably, the KRG has prioritized increasing food security by reducing dependence on imports and ensuring a stable supply of essential agricultural products. This has been especially important as global food supply chains face increasing instability due to geopolitical tensions and climate change impacts.

One of the key elements of the KRG’s agricultural strategy is the development of irrigation systems to maximize the use of water resources and increase crop yields. This is vital given the region’s water scarcity issues, which have been exacerbated by the declining flow of water from neighboring countries. Additionally, the government has invested in agricultural education and research, partnering with universities like Salahaddin University to enhance the capacity of local farmers and agricultural engineers.

Another crucial focus is the diversification of agricultural outputs. The KRG has been keen on not only producing staple crops but also encouraging the cultivation of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, which can be exported to international markets. This diversification strategy not only boosts local food security but also opens new opportunities for trade and investment in the agricultural sector.

The "Agriculture and Food" exhibition at Salahaddin University is a direct reflection of these efforts, as it seeks to showcase the region’s agricultural potential and attract investments that will further enhance the capabilities of this vital sector. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the KRG hopes to create a more resilient economy, ensure a steady supply of food, and improve the livelihood of farmers across the Kurdistan Region.