Floods along the Sirwan River have impacted several farmers in the Khanaqin and Kalar districts. One farmer reported that 65 out of 210 dunams (donum) planted with potatoes were destroyed, with little expectation of compensation.
Over the past two weeks, heavy rainfall across parts of Iraq has raised river levels, triggering floods that submerged extensive agricultural areas near riverbanks.
“Of the 210 dunam planted with potatoes, 65 dunams were swept away,” said Aram Karim, a farmer from Daura village along the Sirwan River, speaking to KirkukNow.
Karim, who has worked in agriculture for 20 years, explained that he purchased potato seeds at 425,000 Iraqi dinars IQD (USD0280) per ton, not including expenses for plowing, fertilizers, and labor.
He added that releasing water before the rainfall, rather than during it, “could have reduced the damage farmers experienced.”
Karim also criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), saying it neither compensates farmers nor prevents the influx of smuggled potatoes, which drives down local prices.
In Daura village alone, 12 farmers saw their potato fields fully or partially flooded, while at least nine others lost wheat crops.
“I have never experienced losses like this in my farming career,” said Mahmoud Mohammed, who estimated his damages at $12,000.
Although floods in 2019 also affected many farmers, government support was limited to assistance such as fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural supplies rather than financial compensation.
Star Ali, spokesperson for the Garmian Agriculture Directorate, stated that authorities have asked local departments to document affected farmers and forward the data to the Ministry of Agriculture. However, he noted that no farmers have officially submitted complaints so far, despite acknowledgment that some have suffered losses.
On March 26, Mohammed Othman was swept away while attempting to cross the Shor River on his way back to his home in the village of Tarjal, located in the Laylan sub-district of Kirkuk Province. His motorcycle broke down in the rising waters, and the current pulled him away.
The body of Othman, 23-years-old, father of a three-month-old infant, commuted daily to work by motorcycle, was recovered Saturday morning March 28, 2026.
On December 10, torrential rainfall measuring 127 millimeters within 24 hours triggered severe flooding across Chamchamal, Shorish, and Takya. The floods claimed two lives, injured 12 people, damaged 1,607 homes, and destroyed 540 vehicles.
