The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is stepping up efforts to modernize its agricultural sector through the adoption of advanced farming techniques, water-management technologies, and increased investment, as domestic production and agricultural exports continue to grow.

Qaraman Qadir, spokesperson for the KRG Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, said on Sunday that the use of no-till farming has expanded significantly across the Kurdistan Region. In some areas, the amount of land cultivated using the technique has reportedly increased from 30 dunams to 300 dunams.

According to Qadir, no-till farming helps reduce production costs, preserve soil moisture, and improve the quality of agricultural products.

The ministry is also promoting smart agriculture and aquaponics as part of a wider strategy to introduce modern farming methods and increase productivity.

The Kurdistan Region, once primarily focused on meeting domestic agricultural demand, is now exporting growing quantities of locally produced goods. Tomatoes, figs, grapes, and other agricultural products are being supplied to markets across central and southern Iraq, as well as exported to countries including Turkey, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

The KRG is also focusing on expanding the food-processing industry by increasing facilities for processing and drying agricultural products. Officials say the initiative will help reduce farmers' losses during peak harvest seasons while adding greater value to locally produced goods.

Water conservation remains another central part of the government's agricultural strategy. New technologies, including the WaterBox system, are being introduced to improve water efficiency and could provide an alternative to conventional drip-irrigation methods.

Agriculture and industrial development have been among the major priorities of the KRG's ninth cabinet. Investment in the agricultural sector has increased from 1.8 percent to 10 percent, according to the government.

Efforts to improve the business environment have also contributed to wider economic growth, with more than 11,100 companies licensed and established and 1,257 new factories opened, supporting the expansion of domestic agricultural and industrial production.

Support for farmers has included the establishment of 30,000 greenhouses and 319 cold-storage facilities, measures aimed at strengthening year-round production and reducing post-harvest losses.

The developments have helped the Kurdistan Region export tens of thousands of tons of agricultural products to international markets for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the KRG's efforts to modernize agriculture, strengthen food production, and expand the sector's role in the regional economy.