The Halabja Agricultural Market has entered its second year, connecting local farmers directly with consumers. The initiative also gives visitors an opportunity to explore agricultural products from Halabja and Sharazur.
The market has operated for nine days during its current season. Organizers established the event to promote locally produced goods while creating additional sales opportunities for farmers.
This year, authorities prepared 100 stalls and spaces for participating farmers. Furthermore, the spaces are available free of charge, reducing costs for local agricultural producers.
Star Mahmoud, Director General of Agriculture in Halabja, said the initiative could expand further. Greater participation could therefore provide farmers with additional opportunities to reach consumers directly.
Farmers from different parts of Halabja and Sharazur bring their products to the market. This arrangement creates a shared marketplace where producers can reach customers without relying entirely on traditional distribution channels.
Kaywan Fariq, a participating farmer, said producers transport fresh goods shortly before the market opens. Products include sunflower seeds, orchard fruits, and other agricultural goods from surrounding areas.
The approach helps preserve freshness while strengthening the connection between producers and consumers. Consequently, shoppers can purchase products directly from farmers who grow them locally.
Visitors have also responded positively to the variety and quality of available produce. Firdaws Salah, a visitor from Erbil, praised the products for their taste and fresh aroma.
Beyond shopping, the market provides visitors with a closer connection to local agriculture. It also offers an opportunity to learn more about farming activities across Halabja and Sharazur.
The event could therefore develop into an additional tourism attraction for the area. Visitors from outside Halabja can combine agricultural experiences with trips to the city and surrounding locations.
Such initiatives can also strengthen rural economies by creating direct links between producers and consumers. At the same time, they can encourage greater public interest in locally produced food.
Agricultural markets have become increasingly visible during the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ninth Cabinet. The trend reflects broader efforts to support agriculture and strengthen local production.
For Halabja, the market combines economic and tourism objectives. Farmers receive a free platform for selling their harvests, while visitors experience local agricultural production directly.
As the initiative enters its second year, organizers could expand participation and product variety. Such growth could further strengthen the market’s role within Halabja’s agricultural and tourism sectors.