By Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Leaders of the government of Iraq, Mada'in Qada and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division met, Oct. 29, 2008, at the Salman Pak government center to discuss issues of importance to the qada.
Mr. Abu Bahar, mayor of the Mada'in Qada, expressed his appreciation for all the work coalition forces have done to help the farmers in his area. He spoke specifically of the efforts of Floyd Wood, a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee and member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team. The drip and spray irrigation system Wood introduced has increased crop production throughout the Mada'in.
Dr. Leylo, director general of water resources for the Baghdad province, discussed the approximately 65 square kilometers of land between al Lej and Wahida that don't have water, but will be reclaimed and renewed for use.
He also described a meeting with Baghdad's deputy governor during which a committee was established to find a solution to balancing fish farms and land farms. The meeting included plans to build more canals from Wahida, and reduce the number of fish farms in order to help with irrigation distribution.
"The main problem for irrigation is still the lack of electricity and abuse by individual citizens," said Leylo.
Mr. Jabbar, technical deputy governor, asked Wood if the drip irrigation system will work in Nahrawan.
"I just came from Wahida and have set aside [space] for an apartment complex with a park, supermarket, sewer, water, electricity and many other facilities," said Jabbar. "If the irrigation system can work in Nahrawan, I would like to build a complex to house families and equipment to get the community started."
Wood said that the irrigation system could work but educating the farmers on water use is paramount for a successful transition to better farming methods.
"If I was an Iraqi farmer, I would be excited because of the bright future for the agriculture sector in the Mada'in," said Wood.
Dr. Ayad, the director general of agriculture in the Baghdad province, also discussed the credit bank in Salman Pak and the opening of two new credit banks in Jisr Diyala and Nahrawan, which will provide walk-in service to complete the necessary paperwork for loans.