The Role of Agricultural Production on the Economy of the Kurdistan Region

The agriculture sector contributes highly to the national product of many countries around the world as it is counted as an issue of national security by being self-sufficient to produce enough food for the population. Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has immense landscapes, water resources, and wilderness to raise farm animals, and it has been counted as one of the most fertile lands in the area. It used to be a food basket for the rest of Iraq. This study examines the role of the agriculture sector in the economy of the Kurdistan Region. Particularly, we address the performance status of agricultural production and obstacles of underdevelopment of agriculture sector in KRI. Information has been collected by summarizing the existing statistical data on agricultural production and its related activities and its role in promoting the economy of the KRI. The findings report huge non-utilized resources in the agriculture sector that can be used to increase the level of production in the sector significantly, which may lead to higher national income and more employment generation. Further results elucidate that domestic agricultural production value has increased compared to previous years, while less investment capital has been allocated for the agriculture sector compared to other sectors. Therefore, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should undertake effective strategies to promote this sector to increase the national income and more employment generation.