The Role of Cartographic Analysis in Agricultural Investments of Cereal Crops in Al-Muthanna Governorate Using GIS

Abstract

Wheat is of great importance in human life and plays a major and effective role in ensuring food security and providing sustenance for the population. Undoubtedly, the Iraqi state had long relied on imports to compensate for the deficit in wheat production in order to secure food supplies. Among the most significant imported crops was wheat, sourced from various countries around the world such as Australia, Canada, and Ukraine.In recent years, following the establishment of the Investment Commission in 2006, the Iraqi government has worked to encourage investments, including agricultural investments, particularly the investment of agricultural lands for wheat cultivation, as it is considered one of the strategic crops. This policy contributed to achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production, with output exceeding six million tons in both 2024 and 2025.The study area (Al-Muthanna Governorate) is among the leading governorates in wheat production, with production surpassing 250 thousand tons in 2025. Wheat production through agricultural investments has been achieved by utilizing and investing arable lands in the desert areas of Al-Muthanna Governorate, where desert-region production exceeded 200 thousand tons. Agricultural investments in Al-Muthanna were not limited to wheat production alone; Rather, they also included several other grain crops, such as barley and maize, among others.