Iraqi agriculture minister outlines plans to boost local production, cut imports

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Agriculture Minister Abbas Ali al-Zaydi said the government is working to strengthen local agricultural production and reduce the country's reliance on imports, speaking at events marking Agriculture Week. He told attendees that supporting domestic farmers remains a priority, adding that several projects are underway to expand production capacity. Al-Zaydi said agricultural development ranks among the government's priorities and that support programs for local farmers will continue. He emphasized the sector's role in the broader economy and said his ministry is coordinating with relevant institutions to address the challenges facing producers. During the week-long events, local farmers displayed their products and received briefings on agricultural innovations and modern irrigation techniques. Ministry officials said the initiatives aim to lower the share of public resources allocated to imports by raising domestic output. No further details on the specific projects or timelines were immediately available.