In the Kurdistan Region's Halabja, despite a productive year for pomegranate cultivation, the local agriculture sector faces a standstill in export agreements. Halabja, recognized for its high-quality pomegranate production, recently celebrated its tenth Pomegranate Festival, an event that showcases the region's agricultural achievements and promotes local goods and cuisines. However, Star Mahmoud, the city's agriculture director, revealed that, unlike the previous year, there have been no new export initiatives for the fruit, despite a notable increase in yield from 12,500 tons in 2022 to an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 tons this year.
Pomegranates from this region marked Kurdistan's inaugural venture into non-oil exports with shipments to the United Arab Emirates last year. Despite this milestone, the current season has yet to see any formal requests for export, according to both Mahmoud and Zeda Mohammed from the agriculture ministry's planning and monitoring office. Nevertheless, domestic sales within Iraq continue, facilitated by the regional agriculture directorate's ability to manage internal shipments independently.
The Pomegranate Festival not only serves as a cultural and marketing platform but also as a significant draw for tourism, with approximately 190,000 attendees over its first two days this year. This event underscores the potential for Halabja's pomegranate sector to expand its market reach, both domestically and internationally. The Kurdistan Regional Government has expressed ongoing support for farmers looking to export their produce, highlighting the sector's potential for growth despite current challenges.
Source: RUDAW