Agricultural Expert: Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Iraq Requires Comprehensive Policy Review and Farmer Support

Agricultural experts have affirmed that Iraq has real potential to achieve self-sufficiency in various crops; however, this goal faces administrative, economic, and environmental challenges. Prominent among these are weak agricultural policies, declining government support, continued reliance on imports, and the water scarcity crisis. Specialists explained that utilizing fertile lands and human expertise requires strategic planning and a comprehensive review to ensure the provision of subsidized production supplies and effective marketing plans. They also highlighted the need to regulate imports to protect local products and adopt modern irrigation technologies to address water shortages. Government support, through accessible loans and agricultural research, is crucial for achieving food security and turning agriculture into a fundamental pillar of economic development.