Heatwaves and water scarcity threaten Iraq's agricultural output, expert warns

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Successive heatwaves and rising temperatures are putting Iraq's agricultural sector under severe strain, according to an agriculture and water specialist. Ahmed al-Saidi said on July 9, 2026, that extreme heat has accelerated evaporation, increasing crop water demand and damaging soil structure. He warned that declining water resources and shrinking strategic reserves have hit wheat, vegetable and fruit production directly. Al-Saidi said Iraq has recently crossed the threshold into "serious" water stress, with per capita water availability falling below the safety line. He argued that current water management plans are insufficient and called for wider use of modern irrigation systems, rehabilitation of water channels, and expanded use of treated water in farming. The expert also said rising temperatures have lowered water levels in the country's marshlands, harmed biodiversity and reduced fish and buffalo populations, while soil salinity has increased across farmland. Reports cited by al-Saidi place Iraq among the countries most affected by climate change. With inflows from upstream neighbors declining for years, the Iraqi government has been forced to scale back planting plans across multiple seasons. No further details on additional government measures were immediately available.