Kirkuk governor says 49.3 billion dinar in farmer payments to begin next week

KIRKUK, Iraq — The governor of Kirkuk, Mohammed Seman Agha, said 49.28 billion Iraqi dinars owed to farmers from the previous season will be disbursed starting next week. Agha said the funds were released following discussions with Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar al-Ani. The payments will be distributed through the Kirkuk branch of the General Company for Grain Trade and its affiliated units, according to the governor. He said the coordination is part of efforts to support farmers and producers and accelerate pending payments. Agha added that local authorities are continuing to work with relevant institutions to ensure farmers' financial entitlements are paid as quickly as possible. No further details on the distribution schedule or individual payment amounts were immediately available.