Iraq Faces Worst Water Crisis in 80 Years, Cuts Farm Output
Iraq is confronting its most severe water shortage since the 1940s, with reserves dropping to a critical 10 billion cubic meters—far below the 18 billion needed to sustain basic needs, Water Ministry officials announced Sunday. The crisis, described as “unprecedented in modern history,” has forced the government to drastically reduce summer agricultural output to prioritize drinking water for its 46 million citizens.
Khaled Shamal, spokesperson for Iraq’s Water Ministry, revealed that five consecutive years of drought, diminished snowmelt, and upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran have cut Iraq’s share of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to less than 40% of its historic allocation. Farmers, who cultivated 2.5 million dunams (625,000 acres) last year, will now be restricted to maintaining just 1.5 million dunams of essential crops.
At the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani launched a national initiative to protect Iraq’s rivers, calling for international pressure on neighboring countries to honor water-sharing agreements. The World Resources Institute ranks Iraq among the world’s 25 most water-stressed nations, with over 80% of its supply already allocated.
“This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s existential,” Shamal stated. “Without guaranteed water access, Iraq’s food security and stability are at risk.” The government is urging farmers to adopt drip irrigation systems, though experts warn these measures alone cannot compensate for the regional water deficit.
It should be mentioned that despite severe water crises, the millions of pilgrims of Aba Abdillah al-Hussein, peace be upon him, have never stayed thirsty, especially during the great Arbaeen Walk, when they are generously offered a lavish feast by the devotees of His Majesty, all thanks to the blessings and enduring miracle of the Master of the Martyrs, peace be upon him.
