Damascus, Mar. 9 (SANA) The Syrian Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) to establish an agricultural research station in Idlib aimed at supporting the rehabilitation and development of the agricultural sector in the province and across Syria and transferring research expertise to Arab countries.
The memorandum, signed Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, includes conducting research and experiments in plant and animal agriculture and introducing modern agricultural technologies to support the recovery and modernization of the sector.
The agreement also provides for developing crop varieties suited to changing climate conditions, expanding seed production, establishing agricultural nurseries, and conducting research on plants with economic value, in addition to implementing genetic improvement programs for local livestock breeds and improving animal production systems and health programs.
The project will also include establishing specialized facilities for scientific research and training to enhance the skills of local technical and scientific cadres and strengthen applied agricultural research.
Following the signing ceremony, Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr said the station will serve as a scientific hub supporting agricultural research in northern Syria and contribute to studies in plant and animal production that support regional development and strengthen the capacities of workers in the agricultural sector, noting that the project’s initial cost is about $3 million funded by ACSAD. He added that the experience could later expand to other provinces to support agricultural development, training and job creation.
The ACSAD delegation said the station is being established in response to Idlib’s climatic and geographical characteristics, which provide a suitable environment for research and experimental studies serving Syria and the Arab region. The station will include laboratories and training facilities equipped with modern technologies.
On Mar. 3, the Ministry of Agriculture signed another memorandum of understanding with ACSAD to develop Syria’s fisheries sector and rehabilitate fish hatchery facilities in Idlib province as part of efforts to support agricultural production and scientific research.
M.Q.R
