Fish Production in the Kurdistan Region Exceeds Thirty Thousand Tons
With annual fish production in the Kurdistan Region exceeding 30,000 tons and approaching self-sufficiency, the Ministry of Agriculture is requesting a ban on imports.
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Kurdistan Region has requested a ban on fish imports due to annual local fish production exceeding 30,000 tons and approaching self-sufficiency levels.
Production Figures and Capacity
There are over 11,000 fish ponds, 11 cage aquaculture projects in rivers, and 11 cold-water fish projects in the Kurdistan Region. It has been officially announced that annual fish production has risen above 30,000 tons thanks to these facilities.
Demand and Import Status
The annual fish demand of the region's population is calculated at 35,000 tons. Although local production has increased, purchasing fish from abroad, particularly from Iran and Turkey, partially continues. To protect local projects, the goal is to ban imports.
Consumption Habits and Prices
Consumers show the highest interest in carp, and the price per kilogram of this species ranges between 4,000 and 6,000 dinars. While demand drops in the summer due to heat, demand increases during the autumn and winter months.
Production Distribution by Region
Geographically, Duhok Governorate ranks first in fish production. Duhok is followed by the governorates of Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, while Halabja and independent administrations also contribute to the production process.