Iraq Agriculture - Industry - Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Agriculture

Iraq’s agriculture industry is a vital component of the country’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to food security and rural livelihoods. The sector faces challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, and outdated farming practices, exacerbated by years of conflict and political instability. However, Iraq possesses fertile lands along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, historically known as the “Fertile Crescent,” which support the cultivation of various crops. The government recognizes the importance of revitalizing the agriculture sector to reduce dependency on food imports and stimulate economic growth.

Despite challenges, there are opportunities for agricultural development in Iraq, including the adoption of modern farming techniques, investment in irrigation infrastructure, and promotion of value-added agriculture. With favorable agro-climatic conditions and vast arable land, Iraq has the potential to increase agricultural productivity and diversify its crop portfolio.It currently accounts for over 2.80% of the worlds agricultural industry.

According to our estimates – we can say that the agricultural industry in Iraq is forecasted to be a $6.75 Billion industry in 2029 from $5.69 Billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 2.90%.

Recent Trends and Insights

In recent years, Iraq’s agriculture industry has witnessed several notable trends and developments. One significant trend is the revival of traditional irrigation methods such as qanats (underground channels) and water wheels, which have been used for centuries to harness water from rivers and underground aquifers. Additionally, there’s a growing interest in modernizing irrigation systems through the use of drip irrigation, sprinklers, and water-saving technologies to optimize water usage and improve crop yields.

Furthermore, there’s increasing recognition of the importance of sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate environmental degradation and conserve natural resources. Farmers are exploring organic farming methods and integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and enhance soil fertility. Agroforestry initiatives, such as planting fruit trees alongside crops, are also gaining traction, providing additional sources of income for farmers and contributing to ecosystem resilience.

In response to growing urbanization and changing dietary preferences, there’s a shift towards commercial horticulture and high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This trend is driven by rising consumer demand for fresh, locally produced food, presenting opportunities for small-scale farmers to diversify their income and access urban markets.

The government and international organizations are supporting agricultural development efforts through investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and provision of agricultural inputs and equipment. Additionally, there’s increasing collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to promote agribusiness entrepreneurship and create value chains that link farmers to markets.

Product Insights

Iraq’s agriculture sector encompasses a wide range of crops and livestock, reflecting its diverse agro-climatic zones and cultural heritage. Wheat and barley are traditional staple crops cultivated across the country, particularly in the fertile plains of Mesopotamia. However, Iraq also produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, including dates, citrus fruits, pomegranates, tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers.

Date palm cultivation is of particular significance in Iraq, with the country being one of the world’s leading producers of dates. Dates are not only a staple food but also an integral part of Iraqi culture and heritage, consumed fresh or processed into various products such as date syrup, date paste, and date cakes.

Livestock farming is another important component of Iraq’s agriculture sector, with sheep, goats, cattle, and poultry being raised for meat, milk, and eggs. Sheep and goats are well adapted to the arid and semi-arid environments of Iraq and play a vital role in the livelihoods of rural communities.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, driven by urbanization, changing dietary preferences, and increasing consumer demand for fresh produce. Urban agriculture initiatives are emerging in cities like Baghdad and Basra, where rooftop gardens and hydroponic systems are being utilized to grow vegetables and herbs in limited spaces.

Iraq’s agriculture sector also includes agroforestry and forestry activities, with efforts to conserve and rehabilitate forests, promote sustainable land management practices, and harness the economic potential of non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants and aromatic herbs.

Key Companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are:

• Beirut Erbil for PotatoProducts (BEPP)
• Rawnaq aldur
• Waffir
• Carmena
• Rosgar Shadala Poultry Technology Co. Ltd
• Aliraq
• Kosar
• Agritech Platform Unnati
• Bamo
• Awlco

Country Analysis

Iraq’s agriculture industry exhibits regional variations in terms of climate, soil fertility, and agricultural practices. The Tigris and Euphrates river basins in central and southern Iraq are the country’s primary agricultural zones, characterized by fertile alluvial soils and extensive irrigation networks. These regions historically supported the cultivation of wheat, barley, rice, and other cereal crops, as well as date palm orchards.

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, located in the northeast, agriculture is practiced in the mountainous terrain and valleys, with a focus on fruits, nuts, and livestock. Apples, pears, grapes, and almonds are among the key crops grown in this region, benefiting from its cooler climate and abundant water resources.

The western and northern regions of Iraq, including Anbar, Ninawa, and Salah ad-Din governorates, face challenges related to water scarcity, desertification, and conflict-related disruptions. However, there are opportunities for agricultural development through investments in water management infrastructure, soil conservation measures, and agricultural extension services.

Coastal areas along the Persian Gulf in southern Iraq have potential for aquaculture and fisheries development, although this sector remains underexploited. Efforts to rehabilitate marshlands in the southern governorates, such as Dhi Qar and Basra, are underway to restore ecosystems and support traditional livelihoods based on fishing and agriculture.

Overall, regional disparities exist in terms of agricultural productivity, with central and southern regions benefiting from fertile soils and reliable water sources, while northern and western regions face greater challenges related to aridity and insecurity. Addressing these regional disparities and promoting inclusive agricultural development are critical for enhancing food security, livelihoods, and resilience in Iraq.

Market segmentation

By Type:

• Crop Farming
• Livestock Production
• Viticulture
• Horticulture
• Fisheries and Aquaculture

By End User:

• Domestic Consumers
• Export Markets
• Food Processing Industry

By Enterprise Size:

• Smallholder Farms
• Medium and Large-scale Enterprises
• Agribusiness Companies

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of Iraq’s agriculture market along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.