Iraqi date palm crops sprayed for pest control
By MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
May 3, 2008 - 8:47:57 PM
Blackanthem Military News
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Pest control efforts for the nation's commercial date palm crop are underway throughout Iraq.
The project covers approximately 166,500 acres in Babil, Karbala, Najaf, Wasit, Baghdad and Diyala provinces, which is a 33% increase over last year. Babil's 54,100 acres have all been sprayed by helicopter, with the remaining provinces to be completed by late-May.
The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing the operation. The Iraqi Security Forces with Coalition support are providing security for pesticides, fuel, equipment, crew and aircraft for the spraying operation.
The annual aerial crop spraying of pesticides demonstrates the Government of Iraq's continued progress and efforts to maximize its agriculture programs and stimulate Iraq's economy. The date palm crops are vital to the Iraqi economy and will bring increased prosperity to Iraqi citizens as well as result in the potential for significant export earnings for the nation. In the past dates represented the second largest export after oil for Iraq.