Iraq partners with Turkey to launch seed research station for climate-resilient crops

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture said Thursday it has signed an agreement with Turkey to establish Iraq’s first research station for developing high-grade seeds for strategic crops. The project aims to produce climate-resilient seeds for wheat, barley, rice, and corn to meet Iraq’s agricultural demands.

Hatem Karim Abbas, director general of the Agricultural Research Department, told state-run Al-Sabah newspaper, “The ministry signed an agreement with its Turkish counterpart to launch Iraq’s first research station focused on high-grade seeds for strategic crops, including wheat, barley, rice, and corn. Turkey had previously invited our Agricultural Research Department to discuss the project, and we have also welcomed some companies to join the initiative.”

Abbas said Iraqi researchers have developed six climate-resistant, high-yield seed varieties. “Four of these new strains—Research Varieties 22, 3, 10, and 12—were tested over the past two seasons at various stations and have been approved for cultivation,” he said.

Two additional varieties, Al-Wa’ad and Sham 6, showed success in Basra’s saline soils and will undergo more trials next season. Last year, 2,000 tons of these seeds were planted over 10,000 acres, resulting in substantial yields.

As part of the 2024-2025 agricultural plan, the ministry is distributing high-grade seeds to farmers using modern irrigation methods, covering 70% of the seed costs to support self-sufficiency in wheat production. The ministry’s Plant Protection Department is also providing free pesticides to combat pests.

In a related development, Water Resources Minister Aoun Diab announced on Sept. 30 a pipeline-based irrigation project in partnership with Turkey and Iran, which will draw on technical expertise from both countries to address water shortages impacting Iraq’s agriculture.