Economy News – Baghdad
Aoun Dhiab, the Minister of Water Resources, announced potential discussions with Turkish officials to address water releases for Iraq. He also emphasized initiatives aimed at minimizing waste in the Najaf Sea.
During a joint press conference with the Minister of Agriculture and the Governor of Najaf, Dhiab highlighted the upcoming agricultural plans for the coming season and strategies to revitalize Hor Ibn Najm.
Dhiab acknowledged that Iraq faces significant challenges, particularly concerning water resource availability, necessitating effective water management practices. He underscored the importance of collaboration with local governance and the Ministry of Agriculture to realize these objectives.
The minister indicated the prevalence of flowing wells in the Najaf Sea and affirmed that measures are underway to regulate them to curb water wastage.
He observed that there has been a degree of stability in Hor Ibn Najm, with a marked reduction in migration from the area over recent years, attributed to increased water availability.
Additionally, Dhiab announced plans to use satellite imaging to promote equity in water distribution as the country copes with diminished rainfall. He revealed an impending meeting with a Turkish delegation to discuss water allocations amidst growing demand and resource scarcity.
Establishing sustainable water supply remains a priority, aimed at equitable distribution among involved nations.
He explained that water allocation for agricultural zones aligns with policies targeting fair distribution, highlighting the ministry’s capability to identify cultivated areas via satellite imagery.
Notably, Dhiab indicated that 70% of Iraq’s water resources originate from outside its borders, underscoring the need for effective water security measures ahead of the summer season, particularly against the backdrop of reduced winter precipitation.
He pointed out the rapid population growth across all nations in the Euphrates River basin, which compounds the challenges of restoring water supplies. In light of this, Dhiab emphasized the need to leverage modern irrigation technologies and cultivate high-yield, resilient seed varieties.
Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani continues to support the agricultural sector by enhancing the efficient use of water resources despite the existing challenges, such as the depletion of surface water and rapid population growth.
The minister mentioned the distribution of key springs in arid regions to bolster agricultural development. Regarding the Najaf Sea, he described how the naturally replenishing wells are being managed to preserve water resources and maritime boundaries, revealing plans to enhance the area’s potential through aquaculture and tourism development.
On the subject of Hor Ibn Najm, Dhiab stated that ensuring sufficient water resources has yielded positive outcomes, following recommendations from consultants and Italian specialists. He reported ongoing efforts to diversify the region’s fish and animal production, aiming for sustainability in the ecosystem while maintaining stable water levels.
Regarding southern Iraqi marshes, he noted a previous trend of population migration from these regions, but with the return of water resources, families are resettling in the marshlands.
When discussing wheat production, Dhiab asserted that there is currently a surplus that indicates a stable status of this critical crop.
He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enhancing agricultural stability in Najaf Governorate due to its significance in wheat cultivation across seasons, stressing the necessity of governmental support and oversight from advanced ministry teams to fulfill established agricultural obligations.
