Iraq adds Dhi Qar, Najaf to summer crop plan amid water campaign

DHI QAR, Iraq — Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources Muthna al-Temimi said on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, that the ministry will provide Dhi Qar with water allocations and support irrigation projects. He said the governorate has been included in the summer agricultural plan for planting al-shalba. Al-Temimi said Dhi Qar and Najaf have been added to al-shalba cultivation for the current season. He made the comments at a press conference in the city of Dhi Qar. The ministry also said a field campaign to clear Nile flower from rivers and canals is continuing. Al-Temimi said the work is under way in al-Daghara district and will be expanded to other areas. The statement said government work has helped provide the amount of water needed for the summer farming plan, despite a recent drop in water reserves.