Task Force Marne Soldiers present Iraqi farmers with equipment

Photo By Sgt. Crystal Witherspoon | Lt. Col. Robert Bensburg , PRT, speaks with Sununi's agricultural director Barkat Issa Azar, Dec. 22 about Sununi's economic development during the Task Force Marne Soldiers' stop in Sununi to deliver tractors and combines to Sununi farmers.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

12.25.2009

Story by Spc. Crystal M. Bradley 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq — Rain, seeds and tractors are important factors in a farmer's life. Without these tools, growing and cultivating crops would be out of the question. Among the hardships farmers in Sununi, Iraq have been facing is the lack of these essentials — until recently.

Task Force Marne Soldiers made a trip, Dec. 22, to Sununi to deliver new farm equipment to local farmers, assisting in maintaining and producing plentiful crops easier.

The Soldiers gave the farmers two large tractors as well as two mid-size combines.

Because farming, a very essential contributor to Sununi's economic success, has been rather hard for the Sununi workers due to lack of farming supplies, the Provincial Reconstruction Team has been making plans since September to provide these farmers with as much support as possible.

Lt. Col. Robert Bensburg, PRT, said his team was notified about the lack of functioning farm equipment in Sununi, as well as the rest of the Ninewa Province, and decided it would be very beneficial to lend the farmers a hand.

"Agriculture in the province of Ninewa, including Sununi, is approximately 80 percent of the economic base here. It drives a lot of the economic development within this province. We thought it would make a very important contribution if we could support that industry by purchasing these tractors for them," said the lieutenant colonel.

According to Capt. Brian Genze, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, helping the Sununi farmers is a big goal for the PRT, as well as Task Force Marne Soldiers.

"A lot of these farmers depend mainly on their crops for financial support. Lately due to droughts, a large percentage of them have not been able to produce as much as they are normally accustomed to. The shortage of crops led to less money which forced a lot of the farmers to sell their tractors in order to provide for their family," said Capt. Genze.

The captain also added the Sununi people are very independent and are striving for financial success in their area.

"Since we have been here, the people of Sununi have shown nothing but cooperation with us. On both ends we are doing everything in our power to continue building a great working relationship. We're helping the citizens as much as possible without making any dependencies," said Capt. Genze.

"Hopefully the equipment we gave them today will have a positive impact on their economic development," he said.

• Date Taken: 12.25.2009
• Date Posted: 12.25.2009 17:53
• Story ID: 43147
• Location: MOSUL, IQ