'Reports of administration for 1918 of divisions and districts of the occupied territories in Mesopotamia. Volume I' [‎109v] (223/470)

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The fact that the Irrigation Department has also been responsible for upkeep
of roads and public works in the district, has still further reduced the time officers
can find available for irrigation work, which must suffer in consequence.
4. Agricultural. —Wheat and barley are the principal crops of the district.
Of the former, the wheat of Shafafiyah is particularly celebrated and is much
sought after for seed. Varieties of wheat and barley grown are :—
Wheat:
Muhairmah—short, beardless ear, white; makes good bread.
Daudiyah—long-bearded ear, dark red.
Hunaishiyah—long-bearded ear, large grain, yellow ; bad for bread.
Humairah—long-bearded ear, small grain, dark red; used for bread, used in
cooking.
Sinn al Fil—like Hunaishiyah.
Judiriyah—short-bearded ear, yellow; good for bread.
Barley :
Only differentiation is “ black ” and “ white.” Grains are so mixed as to
be almost impossible to identify a particular species as a crop. Both crops have
suffered much from the seeds being mixed, and from the excessive amount of foreign
grain and weeds.
Bice is grown extensively on the Hor ibn Najm, three varieties, nafimah
and huwaizawi and ‘ambar, being produced. Dukhn is the most extensive summer
crop, both harfi and ‘afli crops being sown. On a lesser scale, simsim, mash
idrah baidhah, and lubyah are also cultivated. Idrah safrah is not cultivated,
and inquiries elicited the information that it had been tried years ago, but was
always attacked by a small worm in the stalks, which ruined the crop. It is hoped
to carry out some experiments this season.
An experiment in potato cultivation was a failure owing to the seed potatoes
being found to have mostly decayed in transit.
Vegetables and melons are extensively cultivated, principally on river beds
at low water, and by waterlifts.
Irrigation Pumps. —There are 26 oil pumps in the district, mostly on the Shatt
al Hillah. All of these had fallen into disuse during the war, and most of them had
been robbed of essential working parts. A mechanic’s shop was set up, with three
mechanics, under the supervision of the A.P.O., and a stock of spare parts was
obtained from Baghdad for sale to owners. Seven machines were repaired in time
for summer crops; and, an E. & M. Section Officer having recently arrived at Hillah
and inspected here, several more which required more extensive repairs will soon be
available. Fourteen are now running for this season’s winter crops. Oil tanks
have been erected and oil is distributed to cultivators as required. It is greatly
to be hoped that experiments with agricultural machinery will be possible in the
district this season. A simple form of reaper is much to be desired, as crops suffer
from inability to reap sufficiently quickly after ripening of the grain. An agricultural
calendar is given in Appendix B.
5. Municipalities. —Previous to our occupation of the district, Diwaniyah,
alone of the towns, possessed a Baladiyah. During the year Baladiyahs have been
formed at Dagharah, Qahat Haji Mukhif and ‘Afaj.
The amount of work to be done is limited by the labour available, the small
amount of existing skilled labour being nearly all required for public works and
irrigation.
Diwaniyah.—On taking over the district in April, the A.P.O. found the municipal
safe depleted of cash, and a debt of Rs. 400/- due to political funds. There was
little to be seen to justify expenditure, and funds had been swallowed up in the
salaries of unnecessary officials. After an average monthly expenditure on
improvements of Rs. 900/-, the funds now stand Rs. 4,500/- to the good.
Improvements effected comprise construction of public latrines and dustbins
sweeping of roads and removal of house refuse, construction of pavements in the
streets, paving of the bazaar, building of a retaining wall to river front, with steps
to the river, lighting of the town and bazaar, levelling and draining of roads, building
of a sanitary slaughter-house, construction of municipal stables, and other minor
improvements. The former title given to Diwaniyah, “ Mother of refuse ” is no
longer applicable, and the inhabitants have begun to take a laudable pride in the
cleanliness of the town. r