Iraqi date farmers fight drought to protect national treasure - video Dailymotion

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2 years ago

In Iraq, the date palm and its bounty are national icons, but they are being battered by drought. Once known as the country of "30 million palm trees", Iraq's ancient date-growing culture had already suffered from upheaval, especially during the 1980-88 war with Iran, before climate change became a major threat.

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00:00The palm trees have all died because of drought, and the whole area is suffering from it.

00:07The area has died in the past two years.

00:11But those who are a little bit more active can manage.

00:30This area used to be very clean before the drought.

00:44Everything you see here is paradise.

00:48Apples, pomegranates, pomegranates, grapes, everything used to be clean.

01:01You have to buy from here.

01:20We have a palm tree there.

01:24It used to be cut in 12 tons, more than 12.

01:28Now it's cut in 4-5 tons, not more.

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