Hajar B. M. "Investment and its Role in Improving the Efficiency of the Agricultural Sector in Iraq" (Modern Agriculture in Najaf as a Model)

Abstract

Investment in improving the efficiency of Iraq's agricultural sector addresses key challenges related to infrastructure, modern technologies, and rural development. This includes expanding advanced irrigation networks to combat water scarcity, enhancing transportation and storage systems to reduce post-harvest losses, and adopting smart technologies and protected agriculture to increase productivity. Scientific research plays a crucial role in developing drought-resistant crops and eco-friendly fertilizers, while human resource development through farmer training and agricultural education is vital for long-term efficiency.

The present paper examines the center-pivot irrigation model in Najaf as a leading example of desert land reclamation using groundwater and modern irrigation systems, achieving yields of up to 17 tons per hectare in 2025. The model’s success depends on coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors across six types of investment: long-term, slow- and fast-return, developmental, social, and foreign. This experience highlights the potential for replication in other arid regions, provided that an enabling legal and institutional environment is established alongside strong support for agricultural research and capacity building.