In Iraq, the date palm is resisting drought as best it can

Published 2024년 9월 6일

Tridge summary

Iraq's palm tree population, a national symbol and economic source, is facing threats due to drought and climate change. The country, once known for its 30 million palm trees, has seen its number drop to eight million and is now working to increase it to over 22 million. Date palms are the country's second largest export after oil, generating over 120 million dollars annually. However, drought and decreasing river flows, attributed to upstream dams by neighboring countries Turkey and Iran, are impacting agriculture. Farmers like Ali Abed face challenges in harvesting, with quantities down by half compared to previous years, and call for more government support.

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Original content

Barefoot on the rough trunk of a palm tree, his back wedged in a metal and fabric harness, Ali Abed begins climbing to cut bunches of dates. In Iraq, the tree that is a true national icon is valiantly trying to resist the drought. Once nicknamed the country of "30 million palm trees", Iraq has seen its millennia-old culture threatened by conflicts, notably the war with neighboring Iran (1980-1988), before the challenges of climate change arose, in a Middle East affected by repeated droughts. 12 tons compared to 4 to 5 tons today In the still lush countryside of central Iraq, in the Al-Qasim region, hundreds of palm trees stand tall and majestic, near vineyards and orchards. In this harvest season in the province of Babylon, the branches bend under the heavy bunches of yellow or red dates. Up at dawn to avoid the scorching temperatures, the climbers hoist themselves up using only the strength of their arms, supported by a harness, tightening a rope around the trunks. "Last year, ...

Source: Bfmtv