Karbala: Karbala has recorded a significant increase in date production, reaching 220,000 tons during the current agricultural season. The Director of Agriculture in Holy Karbala announced this rise, highlighting the development in the palm sector regarding both quantity and quality. The growth in date marketing and processing has further bolstered the province’s standing in this crucial industry.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Agricultural Engineer Hashim Al-Zuhairi, the Director of Agriculture in Holy Karbala, attributed the boost in production to a reduction in insect infestations, notably the Dubas bug, as compared to previous years. This decline in pest issues has favorably influenced both the quantity and quality of the dates produced. Control operations, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Plant Protection Department, have implemented various methods such as spraying and injection to manage these infestations.

Al-Zuhairi also mentioned that annual preventative campaigns combat issues like inflorescence rot and leaf blight, which are carried out without charge. These campaigns include the distribution of necessary pesticides and are conducted under the guidance of specialized staff from the Plant Protection Department and protection units throughout the province.