A new study by Vision Foundation for Strategic Research, warns of the increasing use of agricultural pesticides in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It recommends an urgent review of the laws related to these substances, due to their significantly growing health and environmental impacts.
The study, prepared in English by Dr. Kamaran Salih and Dr. Rebar Mustafa and titled (Regulatory, Environmental, and Economic Perspective on pesticide Importation and Management in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region)reveals that Iraq ranks 88th globally in importing these substances and spends approximately $73.5 million annually for this purpose.
In the Kurdistan Region, according to the study, laws easily permit the import and use of pesticides, which has resulted in most farmers using them improperly and without adequate supervision. This has led to serious harm to human health and the environment, while no safe and effective alternatives have been identified.
In Iraq, the law requires the registration and evaluation of imported pesticides; however, the study indicates that these regulations are often not enforced. Therefore, the study calls for a comprehensive review of existing laws to protect public health and the environment.
The study also notes that, in addition to legal shortcomings and misuse, large quantities of pesticides are illegally smuggled into Iraq and the Kurdistan Region through Iran and Turkey. Based on these factors, the study concludes that reviewing pesticide-related laws is essential and urgent in order to achieve a balance between economic benefits, environmental protection, and public health.

Click here to read the full study.