AgricultureInternational Relations and Trade

Basra Council Takes Action to Protect Local Tomato Farmers Amid Irregular Iranian Imports

Basra Council Responds to Tomato Import Concerns

On January 30, 2025, the Basra Council announced it has received complaints from local tomato marketers regarding the adverse effects of continued imports on the local crop. The influx of tomatoes from abroad has led to significant losses for local farmers.

In response to the situation, the council, led by Chairman Behind Al-Badran, has taken swift action, including reaching out to the border ports authority to enhance monitoring and regulation at various entry points, including those in the Kurdistan Region. The council has reported that authorities in the region have committed to implementing necessary measures aimed at safeguarding the local agricultural sector.

Notably, on January 23, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources in the Kurdistan Region issued a ban on the import of tomato crops from abroad as part of an initiative to support local production in Iraq.

Several farmers from the Al-Zubair district, situated to the west of Basra, have shared experiences of financial hardship, with some investing up to 50 million dinars in their operations. Despite efforts to lower the selling price of tomatoes—to approximately 10,000 dinars per box (around 750 dinars per kilogram)—there remains an inadequate demand. Farmers are bracing for further price declines, potentially dropping to 8,000 dinars per box, as imported tomatoes from Iran continue to sell at more competitive rates.

Recent observations indicate that tomato marketers are selling boxes for as low as 5,000 dinars, translating to a price of roughly 400 dinars per kilogram.

This evolving situation reflects broader challenges within the agricultural market in Iraq, where local producers are striving to maintain viability amid ongoing competition from imports. The Basra Council’s proactive measures signify an attempt to bolster local farming efforts, amidst mounting pressures from external sources.

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