A Study on Precipitation Change and its Impact on Wheat Cultivation in Sulaimaniyah Region, Iraq

Abstract

Using a production function method and district-level data from 1941 to 2020, this study examines the influence of climate change on wheat cropped area in Sulaimaniyah. The data for these time periods provide evidence of an increase in mean rainfall. Since the quantity of rain that fell on Sulaimaniyah during the 79-year research period is averaged out, it comes to 679 mm, which is a good rate for fulfilling agricultural irrigation demands in this location, especially when an essential crop like wheat requires about 450 mm for adequate output. Only nine years, out of the 79 years analyzed, had less than 450 mm of rain, while the rest had more than 450 mm. During the research period, variations in rainfall quantities had an impact on the farmed areas. Season 2019-2020 cultivated about 39250 hectares in Sulaimaniyah Region, with precipitation of 746 mm, while the season before that was one of the wettest, with 1317 mm rain. For the rainy years, which allow greater areas for cultivation, the visual distribution of cultivated areas across the study years reveals a semi-organized pattern. Seasons 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 were three of the driest seasons, with agricultural areas reduced to bare minimums despite acceptable rainfall levels, although those years were not drought years, since a drought year is defined as a year with less than 300 mm of rain.