Iraq PM launches US$2B agricultural megaprojects in Karbala

IRAQ – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani has officially launched the implementation of five major agricultural and industrial projects valued at US$2 billion in Iraq’s Karbala Governorate.

These initiatives, affiliated with the Etihad Group, are set to transform Iraq’s food production landscape, focusing on meat and dairy production as well as fish farming.

The newly launched projects include a dairy factory with a production capacity of 3,000 tons per day, positioning it among the largest dairy plants in the world.

This facility is equipped with advanced European production lines, ensuring high-quality output. Additionally, a meat production plant has been initiated, featuring five slaughterhouses capable of processing 1,500 calves daily.

Complementing these industrial facilities are expansive livestock farms. A dairy cattle farm housing 195,000 cows is expected to produce up to 4 million liters of milk each day, while a beef calf farm will raise over 100,000 calves annually.

Rounding out the portfolio is a fish farming project designed to yield 300 tons of fresh fish per day, contributing significantly to Iraq’s aquaculture sector.

During the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Al-Sudani extended his congratulations to Etihad Group, commending its role as a leading force in Iraq’s private sector.

He praised the company for its commitment to supporting national development and meeting the needs of the local market. The Prime Minister emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the active participation of a technically and financially capable private sector.

He described the establishment of these projects as a patriotic endeavor, underscoring the importance of creating an investment-friendly environment that empowers private enterprises.

Uganda launches US$3.5B livestock project

Earlier this year, the Ugandan government launched a dairy and beef project on Tisai Island, Kumi District, under a US$3.5 billion initiative aimed at fostering economic empowerment through livestock farming.

Reported by government officials, the project is funded by the Islamic Development Bank and operates within the framework of the Uganda Climate Smart Initiative.

This initiative seeks to harness the island’s potential for livestock production, marking a transformative step for the local economy.

Tisai Island, recently designated as a sub-county, has historically faced challenges in accessing social services. However, the construction of a road linking the island to the mainland in Kumi District has spurred renewed government interest in its development.

Reported by local authorities, the island’s extensive land and fertile vegetation offer an ideal environment for livestock farming, which the dairy and beef project aims to utilize effectively.

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