FOB KALSU — Farmers in the Lutifiyah area of Iraq came together recently to celebrate the opening of the al Baraka Operative Farmers Association.

“Lutifiyah is a big part of Iraq … it connects the Tigris with the Euphrates rivers, and we are very proud of it,” said Ali, a retired Iraqi Army lieutenant colonel and a member of the new association. “We will work together for the sake of the people, and we thank everybody who contributed to making Lutifiyah a safer place.”

Ali said the association is opening its doors because of the improved security in the area thanks to the local citizens, the Iraqi security forces and the U.S. forces. This security allows them to do projects like this.

“Getting the security was easy … but the hard job is maintaining it,” said Lt. Col. Michael Getchell, commander of 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Despite the improved security, the area still lacks some of the basic services, said Sheik Abdul, adding that it is getting better. The goal of the association is to provide equipment, seed, fertilizer and other needs of the local farmers to ensure success.

In addition to providing agriculture aids to the farmers, Ali said the association will be a meeting place for the farmers to discuss their problems. By discussing the problems, Ali said he hopes the association will be able to come up with solutions and continue improving the agricultural business in Lutifiyah, which is in Baghdad province.

“The hard work of the people is paying off,” said Getchell. “The farms are better this year than last year, and they will continue to improve. This association was created to help the farmers improve their farming capabilities.”