IRAQ: Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul inaugurates greenhouse project in Baghdede to assist farmers and strengthen agricultural sector

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Mar Benedict Younan Hano inaugurated a greenhouse project in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), Iraq, in the presence of clergy, government officials, and local farmers.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from representatives of organizations supporting the initiative, who highlighted the project’s importance for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in Baghdede. Bishop Ammar Yako, who oversees the project, expressed gratitude to all the organizations and government bodies that contributed to making the project a reality, emphasizing its benefits for the local population.

In his speech, Archbishop Hano reflected on the often-overlooked relationship between people and the land. He noted that while much attention is given to building homes and churches, the connection to the land had been somewhat neglected. He thanked the supporting organizations for helping to restore and strengthen this bond.

Archbishop Hano also emphasized the need for renewal in the aftermath of past challenges, urging the community to grow again in their lands, homes, churches, and regions. He remarked, “Those who sow this seed will reap much.”

The project, initiated by the Archdiocese of Mosul with the assistance of the VOXF organization, involved the construction of 20 greenhouses on diocesan land, under the supervision of Bishop Yako. These greenhouses will be utilized by local farmers, encouraging agricultural development and the use of modern farming techniques to invest in the region’s agricultural potential.