Karbala’s Date Production Surpasses 220,000 Tons

Karbala Province has recorded a significant increase in date production, exceeding 220,000 tons this season, up by around 40,000 tons compared with last year, as part of government efforts to develop the agricultural sector and expand palm cultivation.

Karbala Agriculture Director Hashem Al-Zuhairi said the directorate is implementing a strategy introduced by the local government that focuses on investment in both crop and livestock production, with particular emphasis on palm cultivation. The province is home to more than three million palm trees.

He attributed the rise in output to government support, a decline in agricultural pest infestations—particularly the dubas bug—and intensified preventive campaigns to combat pests and diseases. The expansion of palm-growing areas through new agricultural projects has also contributed to the increase.

Nizar Abdul Ridha, head of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the directorate, said Karbala’s dates are considered among Iraq’s notable varieties due to the fertility of its soil and the availability of water resources.

He added that production could continue to grow in the coming period, in line with the Agriculture Ministry’s current policy of supporting domestic products, restricting imports, increasing investment in the sector and encouraging the cultivation of large areas with commercially important palm varieties.