Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture said on Saturday that it is stepping up efforts to contain rising food prices in domestic markets, particularly the cost of eggs, through coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and other relevant authorities.
Ministry spokesperson Qusay Al-Khattab said the agriculture minister had emphasized the need for urgent measures to address the price increases. He added that the government had decided to suspend customs duties and taxes on imported eggs, chicken products and live livestock, following a directive from Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi. The decision is intended to increase market supplies and ease upward pressure on prices.
Al-Khattab explained that the ministry had previously restricted imports of certain vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants, after local production exceeded market needs. The move aims to support Iraqi farmers and strengthen the position of domestic agricultural products.
He noted that periods of abundant crop production generally last between 40 and 50 days. Specialized teams from the ministry’s Planning and Follow-up Department monitor production and distribution at Baghdad’s wholesale markets, including Jamila, Al-Rashid and Al-Zubaini, submitting reports on available quantities and production levels to help determine when imports may be permitted again.
The spokesperson stressed that import policies are adjusted according to domestic supply and market demand to maintain the availability of food products. He added that several agricultural crops are currently recording strong supply levels.
Regarding rising prices, Al-Khattab said the higher US dollar exchange rate, alongside factors related to traders, had contributed to increases in some food products, particularly eggs. He emphasized that the ministry continues to monitor market conditions and take action to support farmers, poultry producers and livestock breeders.
He also said specialized committees are responsible for tracking price movements, while daily price lists are published on the ministry’s official website to improve market monitoring and provide updated information.
Al-Khattab concluded that coordination with government authorities would continue, with further measures introduced when necessary to protect domestic production, maintain adequate food supplies and keep prices within consumers’ reach
