Evaluation of the Agricultural Reality of the Industrial Yellow Corn Crop in the Iraqi Province of Kirkuk

Abstract

The agricultural sector is considered one of the important and vital economic sectors in any country due to its role in providing food, clothing, employment opportunities for the population, and the supply of raw materials needed for industries. In Iraq, this sector is the largest non-oil economic sector and contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yellow maize (corn) is one of the main economic crops in Iraq. This study evaluates the agricultural situation of yellow maize crop in Kirkuk Governorate. The statistical data pertaining to the crop, including cultivated areas, production, productivity, and crop prices, were assessed descriptively through the calculation of arithmetic averages, percentages, growth rates, and graphical representations. During the study period from 2000 to 2021, approximately 23,000 to 237,000 tons of yellow corn were produced in Kirkuk province, Iraq. This crop was cultivated over an area ranging from 10,000 to 39,000 hectares of cultivated land during various years within the mentioned period. The average contribution of the yellow corn cultivation area in Kirkuk to the total cultivated areas of yellow corn in Iraq was approximately 19%. This study examines the average contribution of yellow corn production in Kirkuk Governorate to the overall yellow corn production in Iraq, which stands at approximately 24%. The contribution of yellow corn production in the region has exhibited considerable fluctuations over the years, with the highest contribution recorded in 2018 at 71.1%, and the lowest in 2006 at 6.3%. These fluctuations can be attributed to insufficient support for yellow corn cultivation, as well as the impact of various factors, including environmental, human, technological, political, and economic elements. The average corn crop yield in Kirkuk Governorate was estimated at around 3904 kg/ha. Notably, the highest yield was achieved in 2013, reaching 7592 kg/ha, while the lowest yield was recorded in 2014 at 1092 kg/ha, primarily due to challenging conditions faced by the region during that year. The annual growth rates for cultivated area, production, productivity, and price demonstrated positive rates, with values of 9.2%, 7.4%, 4.6%, and 6.7%, respectively. This indicates an increase of 9.2%, 7.4%, 4.6%, and 6.7% in the cultivated area, production, productivity, and price of yellow corn in Kirkuk Governorate, respectively. However, these positive rates were insufficient to meet the rising local demand for yellow corn. İn this study, recommendations were made to establish agricultural plans and policies for this crop, as well as to open multiple marketing channels in the Kirkuk province, particularly during the harvesting season. These measures aim to alleviate the burdens on farmers and protect them in order to mitigate the decline in the cultivation of this important crop. Furthermore, additional research is proposed, focusing on aspects related to the crop, such as price and marketing studies, to develop productive and pricing policies that can address the existing deterioration in the production of this crop. Increasing the purchasing price of this crop and providing prior disclosure of the price before the production season for yellow corn is suggested to incentivize farmers to engage in its cultivation. Additionally, granting more agricultural loans is recommended to enhance the production of this strategic crop and activate the role of agricultural guidance in the province. This would facilitate the transfer of modern agricultural techniques and provide clarification to farmers on their implementation.