Iraqi farmers team up with co-op

Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | RASHIDIYAH, Iraq - The tractors shown were provided as part of the building of a local farming co-op that opened its doors here April 6. The co-op will provide support to approximately 3,000 acres in the Rashidiya region. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. C. Terrell Turner, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)  

RASHIDIYAH, IRAQ

04.17.2006

Story by Spc. Cal Turner 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

By Spc. C. Terrell Turner
1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

RASHIDIYAH, Iraq - Multi-National Division " Baghdad Soldiers worked with residents and farmers from Rashidiyah to create a farming co-op that held its grand opening April 6.

The co-op is a major step in stabilizing and strengthening the agricultural output in the region. Local farmers joined together and created a business plan that will consolidate their resources to benefit the entire community.

The new facility provides local farmers with tractors, various types of plows, fertilizer and seeds, "in order to lower costs, increase production and improve the agricultural situation in this area," said Capt. Wendy Weinell, civil affairs team leader, Company A, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion.

The co-op project began approximately 18 months ago with the assistance of a local sheik and the Qada, (local governance). The project will provide agriculture support to approximately 3,000 acres of local farmland in the Husseniya, Rashidiyah and Sheiksad areas. The region currently produces a variety of fruit and vegetables, including date palms, citrus plants, okra, tomatoes, corn and cucumbers.

"Future plans include expanding the facility to provide support for 6,000 square acres," said Weinell.

Iraqi army soldiers and Iraqi police worked along side Coalition Forces to provide security for the event.

"More than 200 members signed on to be a part of the co-op after an initial election," said Weinell. "There's a board of directors of which Sheik Mohan is the current chairman. He's worked with Coalition forces since we first got here and was instrumental in making the co-op happen."

Lt. Col. Rocky Kmiecik, commander 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, sat with Sheik Mohan and several board members at the grand opening ceremony. Kmiecik and local farmers enjoyed a guided tour by one of the board members involved in the project.

For one local man, the co-op is a hands-on opportunity to help the community.

"I used be a security guard at a local power plant," said Mohammed Waleed. "Eight months ago when the project was approved, I signed up to be the caretaker. Because they knew I was a good guard, they appointed me here."

Waleed, who lives nearby with his family, also helped in the construction of the facility.

"He [Waleed] would point out deficiencies to me that he felt I should know about," said Weinell.

Adnan Najeen, a local farmer, 56, said he has been a farmer since he was born and sees the new building as a way to bring more opportunities to the area. He said remembered the area the facility now occupies as bare ground, lying in front of an aged water tower next to greenhouses built in the 1970s. The new building will enable farmers to grow various plants throughout the year.

"This has been a very successful project and will provide us with fertilizer and seeds," said Najeen. "All the farmers will benefit as it raises the living standard of all the farmers. This will be a much easier time for us than in the time of former President Saddam Hussein."

• Date Taken: 04.17.2006
• Date Posted: 04.17.2006 10:01
• Story ID: 6049
• Location: RASHIDIYAH, IQ