File 1283/1913 Pt 5 'MESOPOTAMIA TRADE Issue of new Trade Report' [‎110v] (216/270)

42
Paragraphs 34-38.
Irrigation and
river control.
Paragraphs 39-42.
Laboui and the
Arab character.
Paragraphs 43-45.
100 000 were under rice, 70,000 under barley, 30,000 under millet, 20,000
under wheat and 20,000 under vegetables. Date groves accounted for about
100 000 acres. These estimates must, however, be accepted vith great
caution, since the data on which they are based are by no means reliable.
The rice crop is of great value and capable of much expansion. The wheat
exported came mostly from outside the Vilayat and the trade was subjec _ o
remarkable fluctuations, owing to the uncertainty of the water-supply an e
inadequate transport. Suggestions are offered with a view to improvement of
the existing system of cultivation and handling of the crop. In some areas,
agriculture has suffered severely from the insecurity of the cultivators tenure,
and the matter needs careful consideration. The institution of an Agricultural
Department at an early date is recommended.
There is every reason, however, to hope that Mesopotamia has a future
not only for wheat but for cotton. The soil and climate appear to be suitable
for the cultivation of fine cottons and it is recommended that tests be made
at an early opportunity with a view to ascertaining the suitable varieties tor
adoption.
92. Next, with a view to the development of the agricultural possibilities
of Mesopotamia, plans must be devised for the scientific control of the rivers,
so as to prevent the damage now caused by inundation and to provide irriga
tion for the redemption of the deserts.
The problem involved is three-fold. Firstly, the successful, but economi
cal, application of the water for irrigation purposes; secondly, the preser
vation of the rivers as long as possible for navigation; and, thirdly, .he
drainage of the swamps now in existence. It is recommended that no
far-reaching measures be decided upon until a body of information has been
collected which may enable sound conclusions to be drawn. It would
advisable that an Irrigation Board, comprising at least two highly-qualified
irrigation engineers, should now be constituted for the collection of detailed
information in regard to the rivers and the existing canal systems with a view
to frame recommendations for a restoration of the regime of the rivers. In
the meanwhile, there would probably be no objection to proceeding under the
Irrigation Board’s advice, with certain minor irrigation schemes which are
not likely to prejudice the solution of the main problem of the two rivers,
e.g>, the Akhdhar channel and the Mendeli, Duwairij and Tib streams.
93. All schemes for the agricultural development and commercial exploita
tion of the country are, however, conditioned and limited by the capacity,
temperament and character of the inhabitants. The two Vilayats of Baghdad
and Basrah are thinly populated, possessing an average of 9 inhabitants per
square mile, which is inadequate for agricultural developments. Moreover,,
the population is of a motley type, including peoples of diverse races and
religions. There does not appear to be, however, any need for haste in adding
to the population of Mesopotamia. Large irrigation schemes cannot be
commenced for some years to come and the existing population, supplemented
from neighbouring sources, will be sufficient, to begin with, for minor works-
which it may be decided to undertake. The pastoral population, which is
the backbone of the country, must be treated with special consideration, and
irrigation schemes must be conceived so as to conserve for afforestation and
pasturage large areas in addition to those under cultivation. Finally, the
introduction of modern types of earth-working and agricultural machinery,
worked under competent supervision by skilled labour, will deprive the labour
question of a good deal of its urgency and importance. Canadians and
Australians might find in Mesopotamia a field peculiarly suited to their talents
and experience.
Stress must be laid upon the organic connection which already exists
between Mesopotamia and India.
94. The employment of Arab labour for military purposes on a large scale
and under organised conditions has thrown a good deal of new r light on the
Arab’s character and capacity for work. It seems likely that^ the indolence
which has hitherto been one of his recognised characteristics was largely
ascribable to environment.