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Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region is irrigated by the 160-kilometer-long Al-Gharraf Canal, which branches off from the Tigris River at Kut and flows southwards to Nasiriya. The canal's construction dates back to the Sumerian era and was substantially modernized in the 1930s via the Kut Barrage to ensure a controlled water flow. The region encompasses over 300,000 hectares of arable land and is considered one of central Iraq's most important producers of winter grains. Annually, around 400,000 tons of wheat and 150,000 tons of barley are harvested here. Agricultural production is largely based on smallholder family farms, with an average holding size between 5 and 10 hectares. The water supply is highly dependent on the Tigris inflow; during severe drought years such as 2021 and 2022, government decrees mandated up to a 50 percent reduction in cultivated areas to safeguard drinking water reserves.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	13	18	24	31	36	39	39	35	28	18	13
Rain mm	48	43	38	33	12	0	1	0	1	21	42	35

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Al-Gharraf is a fertile agricultural region along a canal off the Tigris, sustaining traditional farming practices. It plays a vital role in local food production and supports rural livelihoods with crops like wheat and barley.

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Visiting

The agricultural fields are open landscapes easily visible from the canal roads and village pathways running through the region. Travelers can freely observe traditional farming practices and the intricate irrigation channels along the Al-Gharraf Canal.

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Where to view it

The best viewpoints are from the bridges crossing the Al-Gharraf Canal, which offer wide vistas of the lush green fields spreading into the distance. Small hills or elevated canal banks provide an even more panoramic perspective of the agricultural landscape.

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Local products

Fresh produce such as wheat, barley, vegetables, and dairy products are commonly available in the region's local markets. Depending on the season, fruits like dates and pomegranates are also harvested and sold, along with traditional breads and oils.

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Active season

The agricultural cycle follows the natural seasons, with planting in autumn and the main harvest occurring in spring and early summer. The most spirited time to visit is during the harvest season when fields are full of workers and local markets overflow with fresh produce.

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Nearby

Combine a visit to Al-Gharraf with the historic city of Kut, which features an Ottoman-era mosque and scenic riverfront. The marshes of southern Iraq, a UNESCO site, provide a fascinating ecological and cultural contrast to the agricultural plains.

Geography

Coordinates

32.50000, 45.81600

Facts

The water-carrying Al-Gharraf Canal has a total length of 160 kilometers.
Regulation of the river is managed by the Kut Barrage, built in the 1930s.
The intensively cultivated arable land covers more than 300,000 hectares.
The region's annual wheat harvest amounts to approximately 400,000 tons.
Small family farms typically cultivate plots ranging from 5 to 10 hectares.
During severe droughts, cultivated areas are restricted by up to 50 percent by the state.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kut<1 km · NEExplore →

Uruk93 km · WExplore →

Al Diwaniyah106 km · SExplore →

Samawah110 km · SWExplore →

Ilam110 km · NEExplore →

Nasiriyah122 km · NWExplore →

Ziggurat of Ur123 km · WExplore →

Al Qasim129 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region (1)

Ali Ali🌿 nature

A viewpoint in Al-Gharraf overlooking the fertile riverine landscape of southern Iraq.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is grown in the Al-Gharraf region?

Mainly cereals like wheat and barley, as well as vegetables.

Where does the water for agriculture come from?

Irrigation is provided via the Al-Gharraf canal from the Euphrates.

Can the farms be visited?

There is no official visitor center, but the countryside is open.

When is the harvest season?

The grain harvest usually takes place in late spring.

Why is Al-Gharraf historically important?

It was part of the ancient Sumerian heartland with fertile soil.

Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region: where is it located?

Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region is located in Iraq.

Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region: why is it worth visiting?

The Al-Gharraf Agricultural Region is irrigated by the 160-kilometer-long Al-Gharraf Canal, which branches off from the Tigris River at Kut and flows southwards to Nasiriya.

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