Extreme heat accelerates Iraq's date harvest as output targets rise

BAGHDAD, Iraq — August temperatures exceeding 50°C across southern Iraq have pushed the date harvest season into its peak, with agricultural specialist Jasim Mohammed saying the heat is a necessary factor for ripening several varieties, including Zahdi, Hastawi, Barhi and Khidrawi. He said these types raise their sugar content under hot, dry conditions and reach market and export standards. Iraq ranks first globally in date palm numbers, with more than 22 million trees, and fourth in production. This year's output is projected to exceed 850,000 tons, with exports forecast to surpass 700,000 tons, according to figures cited in the report. Farmers in the Wasit countryside, Babil and Basra's Shatt al-Arab region described managing irrigation through the night and early morning as water allocations fall. They said higher temperatures are accelerating ripening in Zahdi and Hastawi dates but increasing water consumption as groundwater levels drop, with salinity and water shortages complicating production in Basra. Abbas Ali of the Iraqi Farmers' Associations said the sector has shown a clear recovery in recent years, with dates leading non-oil agricultural exports. Ministry of Agriculture data confirm the increase in tree numbers and exports.