The impact of government support and trade policies on the development of the agricultural economy in Iraq for the period (2017-2024)

Abstract

Agriculture is considered a fundamental element representing a primary source of food security and employment opportunities for the unemployed in the Iraqi economy. However, agriculture has been affected by several factors, including government support and trade policies. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of these policies in supporting the agricultural sector, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and assess their impact on economic development. The researcher's most significant finding is that the continued decline in the production of industrial and oilseed crops reflects the weak economic viability of these crops and a lack of attention to agricultural diversification policies, leaving the sector vulnerable to fluctuations in grain production alone. It can be said that 2023 marked a turning point. Structurally, Iraqi agriculture tends to focus on grains at the expense of other crops, amidst a growing water and environmental crisis. Consequently, despite the expansion of cultivated areas, the overall agricultural performance in Iraq in 2023 was characterized by a decline in crop diversity and low productivity, resulting from water scarcity, reduced government support, and fluctuating climatic conditions. This necessitates the adoption of integrated agricultural policies aimed at improving water resource management and encouraging sustainable and diversified agriculture to ensure national food security. The researcher's most important recommendation is the need to reactivate government support for farmers through subsidized loans and reduced prices for agricultural inputs, especially for non-cereal crops (such as vegetables, oilseeds, and industrial crops), in order to encourage agricultural diversification and reduce dependence on a single crop.