Baghdad: The planning authorities have highlighted a significant decline in secondary crop and vegetable production for the year 2025, attributing this downturn to decreased water allocations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority at the Ministry of Planning reported that the reduction in water availability, alongside environmental and climatic challenges, has severely impacted agricultural yields. The Directorate of Agricultural Statistics' annual report noted a dramatic decrease in tomato production, which fell to 258,700 tons from 463,700 tons in 2024, marking a 44.2% decline. Similarly, table watermelon production dropped by 42.5% to 164,500 tons, while cantaloupe production fell by 47.5% to 66,500 tons.

Further insights from the report revealed substantial decreases in the production of okra by 48.2%, eggplant by 58.3%, and cucumber by 51.9%. Tree crop production experienced the most significant decline, plummeting by 88.2%, while broad bean and fodder alfalfa production decreased by 33.7% and 18.5%, respectively.

The report indicated that this survey spanned 15 governorates and was conducted through field visits to farmers, employing systematic sampling methods in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture. This approach aimed to accurately estimate cultivated areas and actual crop production figures.