Basra scientists successfully cultivate top strawberry varieties in soilless pods

BASRA — Basra’s Agriculture Directorate has successfully cultivated the world’s top three strawberry varieties without using soil, marking a significant achievement expected to boost production and development.

At a celebratory event on Tuesday, officials announced the initiative’s success, with each plant yielding up to one kilogram of strawberries, exceeding conventional production.

Dr. Jassim Mohammed Damad, head of the project’s technical committee, said the new varieties would help farmers and investors in cultivating new strains, marking an unprecedented step in employing advanced methods that rival global standards.

Seedlings brought from Erbil were cultivated using two methods: vertical towers for space optimization and horizontal cultivation in coconut peat bags. Essential nutrients were delivered through a solution prepared by the program’s team.

The soilless, semi-hydroponic method conserves water and nutrients by recycling excess solution.

Abdul Azim Kazem, head of the program’s supervisory committee, highlighted the selection of Albion, Festival, and Sabrina varieties, suited to Basra’s climate. The seedlings were planted between October and December.

The harvest’s success paves the way for wider adoption across Basra’s greenhouses, potentially enhancing production and development in the region, as well as improved livelihood opportunities for farmers and investors.

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