Baghdad: Minister of Agriculture Abdul Rahim Al-Shammari chaired a meeting of the National Program for the Rehabilitation and Development of Date Palms and the Propagation of Tissue Culture Offshoots in Iraq. The meeting focused on strengthening the role of tissue culture in date palm offshoots, particularly rare varieties. The Ministry’s Administrative Undersecretary and Advisor were also present.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry announced the formation of several specialized committees. These committees include one tasked with determining the technical specifications for the offshoots to be supplied to the program for the current year, 2026, specifically focusing on the Barhi variety. Another committee is set to determine estimated costs according to regulations, while a third is responsible for setting selling prices for offshoots produced under the program, ensuring adherence to regulatory and legal guidelines.