Iraq facing worst agricultural crisis in modern history

The situation is dire, with mass livestock mortality attributed to worsening water scarcity, primarily linked to reduced water flow in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as reported by local newspaper Al Araby.

Thousands of animals have died due to a lack of feed and dried-up pastures. Fish stocks at commercial farms in southern regions declined by 60% and cultivated land shrank by as much as 50%, according to various estimations.

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Marshes drying up completely

The Iraq Water Resources Ministry indicated that inflows from upstream countries have fallen noticeably below their usual levels, leading to the near-complete drying up of the marshes in the governorates of Dhi Qar, Muthanna, and Basra.

Vast areas have been transformed into barren land, resulting in the deaths of large numbers of buffalo, fish, and poultry…”

The mass livestock deaths have already triggered a full-fledged social crisis in Muthanna, Dhi Qar, and Maysan, where many farmers lost their means of living. Mass internal displacement from the countryside to cities is currently underway as people seek alternative sources of income, according to the publication.

The Iraqi Parliament’s Agriculture, Water, and Marshes Committee confirmed that the country is experiencing some of the worst livestock industry crises, also blaming water scarcity. The Ministry warned that “the current agricultural season is at risk of collapse” due to this situation.

Ibtisam al-Hilali, a committee member, estimated that in some regions farmers have lost up to 70% of their livestock.

Prices surge countrywide

According to Karim Al-Hilou, dairy and meat prices jumped by 25-40% across the country as a result of the crisis. However, no reliable data is yet available to assess the impact of water scarcity on livestock production in Iraq.

Huge decline in feed production

The water scarcity observed during the last 2 years has also led to a substantial decline in feed production in Iraq, said Walid Mohammed Razouqi, director general of the Livestock Department at the Ministry of Agriculture. He echoed claims made by other Iraqi officials, saying this is the worst livestock industry crisis in decades.

Ministry promises emergency measures

At the same time, Razouqi said, the Ministry is taking steps to revitalise some pastures and ramp up local feed production to address the challenge. He also promised that the government will subsidise the cost of purchasing feed to farmers and provide certain help to feed mills.