Iraq vegetable production dropped sharply in 2025, statistics agency says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Central Organization for Statistics and Geographic Information Systems said vegetable and secondary crop production fell sharply in 2025 compared with the previous year, citing irrigation restrictions, reduced water allocations and environmental and climatic challenges. The Agriculture Statistics Department's annual report showed tomato output declined to 258,700 tonnes from 463,700 tonnes, a drop of 44.2%. Watermelon production fell 47.5% to 66,500 tonnes, while table cucumber output dropped 42.5% to 164,500 tonnes. Okra declined 48.2%, eggplant 58.3% and pickling cucumber 51.9%, according to the data. Tree production recorded the steepest decline, falling 88.2%, while green fava beans and fodder crops decreased by 33.7% and 18.5% respectively. The field survey, carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, covered 15 provinces excluding those in the Kurdistan Region.