Baghdad: The Minister of Agriculture, Abdul Rahim Al-Shammari, met today with a delegation from the Iraqi-British Business Council to discuss strategies for advancing Iraq’s agricultural sector based on scientific principles.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting, led by John Wilkes and attended by representatives from several companies, focused on enhancing research, horticulture, and desertification control technologies. Al-Shammari highlighted recent achievements, such as the resumption of rice cultivation in the southern provinces due to improved water availability and ongoing developments in agricultural research and diversification.

Al-Shammari stressed the importance of strengthening relations with Britain, leveraging its scientific advancements. Company representatives expressed their readiness to support Iraq’s agricultural sector by providing technical assistance and sharing successful experiences in tissue culture, date production, infrastructure rehabilitation, and agricultural equipment.

Both parties agreed to continue their cooperation to foster the development of Iraq’s agricultural sector and boost the national economy. The meeting was attended by Directors General from the Departments of Agricultural Research, Horticulture and Forestry, and Combating Desertification.