Kurdistan region boosts dairy production with new projects

IRAN – The Kurdistan Region, currently producing 300,000 tons of milk annually, has introduced new projects, aiming to increase production.

The Kurdistan Region is taking significant steps to expand its dairy production capabilities, currently producing nearly 300,000 tons of fresh milk annually, which fulfils only half of the region’s demand.

Firas Siddiq, representing the General Department of Livestock Assets in the Kurdistan Region’s Agriculture Ministry, highlighted that dairy cattle projects have surged by 21% during the term of the 9th cabinet.

With 91 licensed dairy factories, the total production stands at 285,000 tons, supported by approximately 16,000 dairy cattle.

To fully meet domestic requirements, production needs to rise to 500,000 tons annually. In anticipation of increasing the output to nearly 400,000 tons with the commencement of new projects, provisional approvals have been extended to Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimani, with final government endorsements awaited.

Dairy cattle typically have a productive milk output lifespan of six years. The Kurdish market remains heavily reliant on animals from Iran and Syria, as well as imported dairy products, to satisfy local demand.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) emphasizes the development of agriculture as a strategy to enhance economic resilience, reducing the overdependency on oil revenues.

Iran’s dairy exports surge to nearly US$1B

The news comes as Iran’s dairy industry achieved a remarkable milestone, with annual exports nearly doubling to approximately US$1 billion in the past calendar year. 

This significant growth, reported by an industry union, underscores the country’s expanding presence in the global dairy market despite ongoing economic challenges and international sanctions.

The surge in dairy exports reflects Iran’s strategic efforts to bolster its agricultural sector and diversify its economy away from oil dependency. 

Industry officials attribute the success to improved production capacities, enhanced quality standards, and growing demand in neighboring countries. 

Key markets for Iranian dairy products include Iraq, Afghanistan, and several Central Asian nations, where products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are increasingly sought after.

“We have worked tirelessly to meet international standards, and this export growth shows our dairy sector’s potential,” said a spokesperson for the Iranian Dairy Industries Association. 

The spokesperson emphasized that investments in modernizing dairy farms and processing facilities have been pivotal in meeting the rising demand.

The economic impact of this export boom is significant for Iran, which has faced trade restrictions due to sanctions. 

A report by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran noted that non-oil exports, including dairy, are a critical component of the country’s foreign trade strategy. 

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