Babil Date Growers Welcome Bumper Crop but Condemn Low Prices

BABIL, Iraq — Date growers in the al-Hasin tourist area of Babil are reporting higher yields this season, aided by plentiful rainfall and water supplies after years of drought and shortages. Hussein al-Birmani, who owns a date sales office, said production was strong and water was sufficient. Despite the improved harvest, growers said prices remain low, with buyers offering between 650 and 1,250 dinars per kilogram. Birmani attributed the decline to abundant production and limited government support for the sector, while arguing that locally grown dates should receive assistance despite higher-priced imported products reaching the market. Birmani also said wet dates need cold storage and appropriate marketing to prevent losses, warning that leaving the fruit on the trees for too long could reduce its value. Grower Abu Ali, who has cultivated dates for more than 20 years, said the season was better than previous years and that the crop is distributed through sales offices to cities including Mosul and Basra. More than 10 date varieties are grown in the area, according to Abu Ali. Growers are seeking greater government assistance with pest control and agricultural pesticides.