Officials in Kurdistan warn that smuggled tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers are damaging the region’s domestic market. Despite an official ban, imported produce continues to reach wholesale markets and harms local farmers.
Rajab Haji Azeez, head of the Erbil Wholesale Market Council, said imported potatoes and tomatoes are entering through Sulaimani border points. He stressed that these goods directly undercut local harvests. Azeez explained that tomatoes now sell between 250 to 600 dinars per kilogram, while potatoes sell for 250 dinars. Such low prices make it impossible for farmers to compete.
He further warned that if potato imports continue, large amounts of local produce from Erbil and Duhok will remain unsold. Both provinces together produce nearly 700,000 tons of potatoes each year. Farmers in Kurdistan often respond to these situations with protests, sometimes dumping their crops in the streets to show frustration over unfair competition.
Sarwar Ali, head of the Sulaimani Wholesale Market Syndicate, confirmed the smuggling issue but noted that most potatoes end up in Garmiyan markets. He said cucumbers also dropped in value, from 1,000 dinars per kilogram in August to 750 dinars this week.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has repeatedly announced that it aims to protect farmers and strengthen agriculture. Officials believe farming can help diversify the economy away from oil dependence. Azeez urged the government to enforce its bans more strictly and to find new markets for local products. He added that exporting goods from Erbil and Duhok to Sulaimani could provide real support for domestic farmers.