Iraq Approves 2026 Summer Agriculture Plan, Including Rice Planting

Iraq’s ministries of water resources and agriculture have approved the 2026 summer agriculture plan, setting out planting targets for rice, summer vegetables and corn across the country. The program is intended to manage seasonal cultivation while limiting water waste amid drought and climate change pressures. The plan allocates 361,900 dönüm for rice planting, with summer vegetable and corn cultivation also included in the program. Planting work is expected to begin on 20 June 2026. Water Resources Minister Mutannib et-Tamimi said his ministry will provide the water allocations needed to implement the plan. He said the ministry has prepared the required water provisions to support execution of the program. The ministry also said it has drawn up comprehensive operating schedules to ensure fair and efficient water distribution among the provinces. The plan emphasizes the use of modern irrigation technologies and laser leveling methods to reduce water loss.