Date growers around Basra are investing in sorting and packing equipment, hoping to sell boxed premium dates abroad rather than selling bulk fruit at low prices.
The region was once among the world's largest producers of dates, and farmers say careful grading and attractive packaging can multiply what a harvest earns.
"The same date sells for five times more in a nice box," said Hussein, who manages a growers' cooperative. "The fruit is already good. We need to present it properly."
The cooperative has bought a cold store and hired staff to hand-sort fruit by size and quality.
Growers say reliable cold chain transport to the port is the next problem to solve.
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