Unlocking Agricultural Potential: Resilient Fodder production in Southern Iraq

A Beacon of hope shines brightly. Led by the pioneering efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), funded by EU and implemented in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture and local partners, an impactful introduction of agricultural innovation is sweeping across the region, driven by the cultivation of resilient fodder crop varieties.

Navigating Adversity: Livelihoods Challenges in Southern Iraq's Marshlands Before the dawn of FAO's transformative interventions, farmers and buffalo producers of southern Iraq grappled with a landscape fraught with challenges. Faced with dwindling water resources and variation soil and water salinity, high feed costs, they used to rely on traditional feeding practices that often fell short of meeting the minimum nutritional needs of their livestock. Cereals, predominantly wheat and barley, formed the backbone of livestock diets, supplemented by meager portions of locally available forage such as reeds and papyrus. However, these practices proved inadequate in sustaining livestock health and productivity, exacerbating the vulnerability of communities already on the brink of livelihood insecurity.

Cultivating Resilience: FAO's Innovations in Southern Iraq's

In response to the pressing challenges faced by those communities, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) embarked on a multifaceted initiative aimed at bolstering the resilience of rural communities and ecosystems. At the heart of FAO's intervention strategy lay a comprehensive approach that encompassed capacity-building, the provision of resilient fodder crops varieties, and the introduction of climate-smart irrigation practices tailored to the region's unique environmental constraints in addition to increasing local feed production.

Central to FAO's transformative efforts was the introduction of resilient fodder crop varieties, carefully selected and adapted to thrive in the harsh climatic conditions prevalent in southern Iraq. Among these pioneering crops was rye grass, a seasonal fodder crop renowned for its rapid growth and exceptional yield potential. Sown in late summer to early autumn and using drip irrigation to thrive, rye grass offered farmers a reliable source of nutrition for their livestock. With several cuts per season and yields ranging reaching 25 to 30 tons of green fodder per donum (100 to 120 t/ha), rye grass proved instrumental in improving livestock health and productivity.

The significance of rye grass as a superior feed source cannot be overstated. Not only does it provide essential nourishment to livestock during critical periods such as lactation, but it also promotes growth, enhances animal health, and improves fertility—all at a minimal cost to farmers. By harnessing the power of rye grass, farmers are witnessing a tangible

increase in milk production (37% for buffalo and cows) and quality, resulting in and profitability in cheese and dairy processing.

One striking example of the productivity of rye grass under optimal cultivation practices is evidenced by one of the farmer's Mr. Abdul Amir Salman Aissa, from Nahr Alsabe Village, (Midaina District, Basra governorate) remarkable success story who is cultivating for the first-time rye grass. With a first-cut yield of 2,730 kilograms per square meter, this farmer achieved an average of five cuts, resulting in a total production of 34 tons of green fodder, using drip irrigation system which allows him to conserve water efficiently without causing any adverse environmental impacts.

This abundant harvest allows him not only to feed his animals (35 buffalos, and 4 cows) but also to sell extra quantities securing revenues of about $2,000 USD / season —an impressive return on investment that underscores the transformative potential of resilient fodder crops.

Equally impressive is the example of Mrs. Doulah Abdul Amir Saeed a farmer from Alsimadh village (Karmit Bensaid directorate, Thi Qar governorate), who discovered the potentials and productivity of Sudanese Sorghum, another climate resilient fodder crop that thrives in the challenging conditions of southern Iraq.

Known for its dense growth and high yield potential, Sudanese Sorghum offers farmers an abundant source of green fodder with over four to seven cuts with a production of 300 tons / hectare. Resilient to soil salinity and using low irrigations water quantities, it is rich in energy and fiber, making it an invaluable asset in sustaining livestock populations and bolstering agricultural resilience. Additionally, her animals (8 buffalos, and 4 cows) milk production increased by 13 % and due to using sorghum in their feeding system. The high produced quantities of Sorghum allowed her to sell the extra around 275 $ during the last season.

Through strategic capacity-building initiatives and knowledge transfer programs, FAO equipped large number of southern Iraqi farmers with the requisite tools and techniques to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climatic stressors. The adoption of climate smart agricultural practices, including efficient irrigation methods and crop rotation techniques, further enhanced agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of adversity.

As southern farmers and buffalos' producers embraced innovative agricultural practices and harnessed the potential of resilient crop varieties, they witnessed a tangible increase in milk production, enhanced cheese processing, and improved livestock health. Moreover, the cultivation of resilient fodder crops not only secured sustainable livelihoods for marshland communities but also help conserve ecosystem health and biodiversity in the region.

In collaboration with local stakeholders and partners, FAO continues to spearhead efforts to restore and strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems in southern Iraq's. By empowering communities with knowledge and resources, FAO remains steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter, more resilient future for all.

Recognizing the important impact of FAO interventions on local fodder and feed production, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) was inspired to establish a program aimed at

promoting local seed and feed production. This partnership underscores the enduring legacy of FAO's initiatives, which not only transform livelihoods at the grassroots level but also catalyze broader systemic changes in agricultural practices and policies.

With FAO's continued support and the commitment of local stakeholders, the journey towards agricultural resilience in southern Iraq is marked by hope, innovation, and sustainable progress. Together, we stride towards a future where communities thrive in harmony with their environment, safeguarding both livelihoods and ecosystems for generations to come.

Written By Khawla Ben Aicha FAO Iraq International Communications Specialist