Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Area (ICARDA) as well as with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) over producing and increasing the productivity of rainfed crops.
Speaking on the sidelines of the MoU signing ceremony, Iran’s Hojjati said “given the cultivation of a variety of rainfed crops in ICARDA and existence of world experts in the sector as well as the newly-inked agreement, development of dryland farming is estimated to rise by 25 per cent in an area of more than two million hectares over a five-year period.”
The official voiced satisfaction towards establishment of links between Iranian and world experts expressing hope that the cooperation will lead to production sustainability inside the country.
He underlined that the sealed MoU with CIMMYT, which is headquartered in Mexico, revolves around rainfed production of wheat and maize in five years’ time.
The Iranian minister outlined protected agriculture as another centerpiece specified in the memorandum adding “these plans aim to sustain production as well as to prevent environmental problems in Iran.”
Hojjato emphasized that Iran has reached self-sufficiency in wheat production concluding “presence of Agriculture Ministry experts in agricultural lands and their close relation with ferments will hopefully enhance and sustain the country’s production.”
HA/3759570