Diyala Wheat Production Drops by Over 50% Due to Water Shortages

Wheat production in Diyala province has declined by 50% to 55% compared to previous seasons, according to the Diyala Agriculture Directorate. Severe water shortages across the province forced a reduction in planting plans and limited the total area available for cultivation. Many farmers struggled to secure necessary irrigation quotas, leaving thousands of producers entirely dependent on rainfall for their crops. Despite the decline, cultivated areas exceeded 300,000 dunams, with over 200,000 dunams expected to yield produce for the market. Local authorities stated that while current production levels remain sufficient to ensure provincial self-sufficiency, the output is significantly lower than last year.