Shahlab planting resumes in Najaf after drought

Farmers in the Mashhab district of Najaf have begun preparing fields again for shahlab cultivation after more than three years of water shortages. This year, about 100 dunams will be planted with amber and jasmine varieties. Producers said land leveling, seed scattering and releasing water into the fields all require high costs, and that they also need support with electricity and fertilizer. They expect the new season to raise local production and help ease prices in the market. Under a summer-season plan launched by the Agriculture and Water Resources ministries, planting will be carried out on more than 1.2 million dunams for shahlab, corn and summer vegetables.