Challenges

The adoption rate and knowledge of modern agricultural technology is still low for Iraqi farmers. They often resort to outdated methods such as flooding, which requires excessive water consumption, puts high stress on groundwater resources, and uses excessive amounts of fertilizers and pesticides without awareness of their deteriorating effect on soil in the long term. In addition, high prices for establishing greenhouses mean that most farmers can only afford to cultivate crops in open fields.

Solutions

RAG is a supplier of precision irrigation systems, greenhouses, seeds, and organic fertilizers. Its technologies help smallholder farmers to increase their crop yields and improve the quality of outputs, allowing them to achieve greater sales volumes and command higher prices for their produce. Drip irrigation systems offered by the company, coupled with rainwater harvesting techniques, help farmers minimize water wastage. Additionally, RAG implements energy-efficient irrigation systems and promotes the use of renewable energy sources. 

RAG is partnering with Cultiva to expand its services offered to farmers (e.g., compost), and will be the distributor of Cultiva’s produce in Iraq. The partnership between these two organizations will have positive benefits for farmers: an increase in agricultural productive leading, water conservation, and energy savings.