600 tons of potatoes exported from Kurdistan Region to Qamishlo, Hasakah

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region of Iraq recently exported 600 tons of potatoes to the cities of Qamishlo and Hasakah in Western Kurdistan, marking a significant step in the region's agricultural export efforts.

On Monday, August 19, 2024, Bashar Moshir, the owner of K.H. Potato Investment and Export Company, told Kurdistan 24 that the export was facilitated by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) as part of its ongoing efforts to support local farmers.

“A few days ago, 600 tons of potatoes from Duhok were exported to Western Kurdistan through the Pishkhabur gate,” Moshir confirmed.

The shipment, transported in 25 trucks, underscores the growing demand for potatoes from the Kurdistan Region in Syria and Western Kurdistan.

“There is a lot of demand for KRG potatoes in Syria and Western Kurdistan, and the investor who purchased this batch has expressed interest in exporting more in the future,” Moshir added.

This export follows a significant deal earlier this year. On July 22, 2024, approximately 5,000 tons of potatoes were exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under an agreement between the KRG and a UAE company.

Last year, more than 13,000 tons of potatoes were exported to the UAE and Saudi Arabia for the first time, and projections for this year suggest that over 25,000 tons will be sent to Gulf countries.

Potato production in the Kurdistan Region has seen substantial growth, with over 800,000 tons produced annually across 86,453 dunams (21,370 acres).

This marks a remarkable 900% increase in production over the past five years. The Nawkuri plain in Bardarash district, Duhok province, is the leading area for potato cultivation, contributing more than 300,000 tons annually.

The Kurdistan Region produces about 30 varieties of potatoes, and the quality of these potatoes is widely regarded as the best in the Middle East. This reputation has fueled demand across Gulf countries.

The ninth cabinet of the KRG has prioritized economic diversification, with a strong focus on agricultural development. The government is committed to building a robust economic infrastructure and views the revitalization of agriculture as a crucial component of its strategy.

Developing the agricultural sector to rely on local production in the future is a major goal of the current KRG administration.

Further reporting done by Kurdistan24's correspondent Mateen Kareem Khan.