Iraq imposes tiered import curbs to shield local farmers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture said it is enforcing a three-tier import policy designed to protect domestic producers, according to a statement by ministry adviser Mehdi Damad al-Qaisi. Under the framework, seasonal import bans are applied to crops and livestock products when local supply is sufficient, including melons, watermelons, cucumbers, eggplants, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat, dates and live chickens. A second tier requires registration with the National Registration Committee for seeds and seedlings, covering potato seed, vegetable seeds and seeds for strategic crops such as wheat, barley, corn and rice. A third tier consists of sanitary bans aimed at preventing the entry of plant and animal diseases into the country. The ministry said Iraq has achieved self-sufficiency in seven core products despite water shortages in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, desertification and the loss of arable land. Agricultural exports reached roughly 2 million tons last year, according to the ministry.