Iraq facing worst agricultural crisis in modern history

Iraq is currently enduring one of the gravest agricultural and livestock crises in its history. The country faces dire challenges as mass livestock mortality occurs due to escalating water scarcity, largely caused by diminished water flow in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as reported by Al Araby.

Thousands of animals have succumbed due to a lack of feed and desiccated pastures, while commercial fish farms in the southern regions have reported a staggering 60% decline in fish stock. Additionally, cultivated land has diminished by up to 50% based on various estimates.

Marshes Drying Up Completely

The Iraq Water Resources Ministry has noted that water inflows from upstream countries have drastically fallen, leading to the near-complete desiccation of 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…”

This mass mortality of livestock has precipitated a full-fledged social crisis in Muthanna, Dhi Qar, and Maysan, where many farmers have lost their livelihoods. As a result, there is a significant internal migration from rural areas to cities in search of alternative sources of income.

The Iraqi Parliament’s Agriculture, Water, and Marshes Committee has confirmed that the country is experiencing an unprecedented crisis within the livestock industry, attributing its severity to water shortages. The Ministry has cautioned that “the current agricultural season is at risk of collapse” under these circumstances.

Widespread Livestock Losses

Ibtisam al-Hilali, a committee member, estimates that in certain regions, farmers have suffered losses of up to 70% of their livestock due to the ongoing crisis.

Prices Surge Nationwide

As a consequence of the crisis, dairy and meat prices have surged by 25-40% across Iraq, according to market analysts. However, comprehensive data assessing the full impact of water scarcity on livestock production remains unavailable.

Significant Decline in Feed Production

Over the past two years, water scarcity has led to a marked reduction in feed production, as noted by Walid Mohammed Razouqi, director general of the Livestock Department at the Ministry of Agriculture. He remarked that this is the gravest livestock industry crisis seen in decades.

Government’s Emergency Measures

In response, the Ministry is implementing measures to rehabilitate pastures and enhance local feed production. Razouqi also promised that the government would subsidize feed purchases for farmers and extend support to feed mills to mitigate the effects of the crisis.