A portion of agricultural produce in the Kurdistan Region has ripened, while wholesale traders in Erbil are urging the Ministry of Agriculture and Baghdad to lift the ban on exporting produce to central and southern Iraq.

Peak Season for Local Produce and Stable Prices

A significant share of fresh produce has now ripened across the Kurdistan Region. According to Dana Aziz, supervisor of the Erbil wholesale produce market, “Now is the golden season for local produce.”

He added that all vegetables and fruits are available and that prices remain stable.

Export Blocked at Kirkuk and Makhmour Checkpoints

Aziz also stated that exports of agricultural products from the Kurdistan Region to central and southern Iraq are being blocked at the Daraman checkpoint in Kirkuk and the Makhmour checkpoint.

He called on Begard Talabani to engage with Baghdad to help lift the blockade.

Customs Procedures and ASYCUDA System Issues

The blockade at the border is linked to administrative procedures. According to reports, the issue stems from the lack of a unified customs law between the two governments and the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), although it has been stated several times that the obstruction has been removed.