Iraq is facing one of its worst droughts in decades as record-low water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers threaten wheat production and food security. Farmers like Ma’an al-Fatlawi near Najaf are struggling as river water dwindles and groundwater proves too saline for farming. Although Iraq achieved wheat self-sufficiency in recent years, the current drought could cut harvests by up to 50%. Climate change, rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran on which Iraq depends for 70% of its water have intensified the crisis. In response, Iraq has capped river-irrigated wheat cultivation, enforced modern irrigation methods, expanded limited groundwater farming, and banned rice cultivation nationwide to conserve water.

Abba Father, we ask for Your mercy upon the dry lands of Iraq. Send rain, renew the rivers, and restore the fields so that farmers may reap their harvest in hope and peace. Amen (The Holy Bible, Zechariah 10:1).

Lord, strengthen farmers who labor under hardship and uncertainty. Comfort their families, protect their livelihoods, and reward their perseverance. Amen (The Holy Bible, 2 Timothy 2:6).

News Source: Reuters

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