The Investment Authority of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine has inaugurated a model dairy farm featuring Dutch-breed cows, marking what officials describe as the first project of its kind in Iraq to operate according to precise scientific and systematic standards in cattle breeding and milk production.

Mustafa Muna, head of the Investment Authority and member of its Board of Directors, stated that the farm represents a cornerstone of a broader strategic initiative aimed at generating new employment opportunities and strengthening the local economy. The project seeks to meet growing demand for milk and dairy products in the holy city of Najaf and other Iraqi provinces.

He explained that construction of the project spanned from 2021 to 2025 and was completed entirely by the staff of the Investment Projects Executive Authority. A contract was signed with a specialized consulting firm in cattle breeding and fattening, which in turn coordinated with a reputable Dutch company recognized for its expertise in this field.

The farm covers a total area of 25 hectares and currently houses 165 adult cows, all pregnant, operating within an organized breeding and production cycle that adheres to internationally approved standards. The project relies on purebred Holstein-Friesian cattle, a high-yield dairy breed known for producing large quantities of high-quality milk.

Engineer Amir Ali Qanbar, the project’s executive supervisor, noted that the farm consists of two main sections: an indoor facility divided into seven stages and an outdoor area comprising six units, each measuring 2,500 square meters with a height of 10 meters. The design ensures adequate sunlight, ventilation, and fresh air to maintain a healthy environment for the animals.

He added that the infrastructure includes a central milking parlor, open grazing and movement areas, farmland dedicated to cultivating seasonal fodder crops, and service facilities such as veterinary units, storage buildings, and the main administrative structure.

According to the shrine’s official website, the farm is equipped with advanced service and environmental systems. These include automated waste collection and recycling tunnels to convert waste into organic fertilizer for fodder cultivation, an efficient ventilation system to reduce humidity and limit the spread of disease, and a sterilized, filtered water supply calibrated to support optimal nutrition and herd health.

The project is described as one of the Holy Shrine’s most significant agricultural investments, reflecting its commitment to applying international standards in livestock production while ensuring animal welfare and high product quality.