Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced a ban on the import of 40 agricultural products after achieving self-sufficiency in several categories. At the same time, the ministry is ramping up efforts to export Iraqi dates to international markets.

 Banned Imports

Mehdi Sahar Jabouri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that among the 40 banned items are staples like potatoes and tomatoes.

Jabouri confirmed, “Products such as potatoes and tomatoes are included in the list of banned imports.”

 Expanding Date Exports

Jabouri highlighted Iraq’s growing date export market, “Iraqi dates are now being exported to countries such as India, China, Turkey, Jordan, and the Gulf states.”

He also added: “Modern preparations have been made to begin exports to European Union countries.”

 Avian Influenza Precautions

The ministry is actively monitoring animal health through veterinary channels. Jabouri clarified, “Importing poultry products is banned from all countries and regions where avian influenza outbreaks have occurred.”

 Price Monitoring

To prevent inflation, the ministry continues to monitor agricultural commodity prices in local markets.

Jabouri reiterated that “the ministry is consistently tracking prices to prevent any unjustified increases.”