Demand is further driven by the growing tourism sector. Particularly in cities like Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok, tourism development is creating new opportunities for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Investments in religious and nature-based tourism are expected to further boost market growth.
Iraq’s National Food Security Strategy (2022–2026) aims to increase domestic production of staple foods such as wheat, barley, rice, and dates. The government of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is also ramping up investments in agricultural infrastructure to strengthen food security. The number of farms in the region has grown significantly, and a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains are now produced locally. Well-known organic farms such as Halabja Organic Farm and the Barzan Agricultural Project make use of modern irrigation systems and innovative agricultural technologies.
Key investments and projects in the agricultural sector
The Iraqi and Kurdish governments have launched several large-scale initiatives to promote agriculture and enhance food security:
Wheat and Grain Production
Iraq aims to increase domestic wheat production to reduce its dependence on imports. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is focusing on sustainable farming methods to boost productivity.
Irrigation and Water Management
Advanced systems such as drip irrigation and aquaponics are being introduced to optimize water usage.
Expansion of Greenhouses
Investments in modern high-tech greenhouses are increasing yields in fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Expansion of Poultry and Dairy Production
Domestic production of poultry and dairy products is being promoted to meet growing demand.
Key Stakeholders: