Iraqi farmer Muntazer al-Joufi has faced shrinking rice fields due to drought, but he is fighting back with modern techniques and water-saving methods.
Using tougher seeds and efficient irrigation, Joufi, 40, is implementing new practices to cultivate rice in Najaf province.
Traditional flooding methods are being replaced by innovative methods to cope with the challenges posed by four years of drought and decreasing rainfall in Iraq.
The agriculture ministry is supporting farmers like Joufi by introducing resilient rice seeds and modern irrigation systems to conserve water and enhance rice production.
With temperatures soaring and water scarcity becoming a major issue, Joufi is adapting to the new techniques which use significantly less water compared to the traditional methods.
The introduction of sprinklers and drip irrigation systems has reduced water consumption by 70%, making it easier for farmers like Joufi to manage their fields efficiently.
Agriculture ministry experts are experimenting with different irrigation techniques and seed types to find the best combination that can withstand drought and produce good yields.
Despite challenges posed by water scarcity and upstream dams, farmers like Joufi remain hopeful about the future of rice production in Iraq.
With the support of the government and ongoing research, farmers are striving to adapt to the changing climate and secure the future of rice cultivation in the region.
