In Najaf, Iraq, farmer Muntazer Al-Joufi is adapting to severe drought conditions by using modern irrigation techniques and resilient seeds to combat the drastic reduction in rice production. After enduring four consecutive years of drought and diminished rainfall, which have drastically cut Iraq's rice cultivation from over 30,000 hectares to just 5,000, Joufi is now employing water-saving methods such as sprinklers and drip irrigation that use 70% less water compared to traditional flooding. The Iraqi agriculture ministry is supporting these efforts by experimenting with different seeds and irrigation systems to optimize water use and yield. Despite these advances, water scarcity exacerbated by upstream dams built by neighboring Iran and Turkiye, along with a drastic reduction in rice-growing areas, continues to challenge Iraqi farmers. The country, heavily impacted by climate change and ongoing water issues, has seen protests from farmers advocating for the right to cultivate their lands. While recent rains have slightly alleviated water shortages, the future of agriculture in Iraq remains uncertain amid persistent challenges and limited governmental support.
Please find original version of article below:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2563381/middle-east
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