MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790
    
Press Release A080514a
May 14, 2008

UPDATE: 74\% of Iraqi date palm crops now sprayed 

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Pest control efforts for the Iraqi commercial date palm crop that began April 16, 2008, are now more than 74\% complete.

The total project covers approximately 166,500 acres in the Babil, Karbala, Najaf, Wasit, Baghdad and Diyala provinces.  New to this year’s efforts are Baghdad and Diyala provinces, representing a 33\% increase in total acres treated over last year’s total.  Babil, Karbala, Najaf and Wasit provinces, representing more than123,000 acres, have all been sprayed by helicopter, with the remaining two 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.

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