Amman, Nov. 4 (Petra) -- Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat called Wednesday for expanding agricultural research cooperation with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), including modern rainwater harvesting technologies and drought- and salinity-tolerant crop varieties.

During a meeting with ICARDA Director General Nizar Haddad on ways to develop scientific and applied research in the sector, Khreisat said wider cooperation would help transfer technology, develop smart agricultural extension and bring modern knowledge and technologies to farmers.

Khreisat also urged joint training programs to build the skills of agricultural workers, develop rural communities and raise production efficiency.

Khreisat said partnership with international institutions and expertise centers, foremost among them ICARDA, is a cornerstone of ministry plans to raise efficiency of natural resource use, develop agricultural production and address water scarcity and climate change.

He also stressed strengthening cooperation to develop the national seed bank and turn it into a regional reference. He cited preserving plant genetic resources in the region, capacity building, training and supporting joint research projects with ICARDA.

In turn, Haddad said the center will continue providing scientific and technical support to develop agricultural and food systems. He said it will also expand research innovations and modern technologies to help address challenges facing agriculture in the dry areas of the Arab region and the Middle East.

The meeting reflects mutual interest in strengthening sustainable food security, using modern technologies in agricultural systems and improving their ability to adapt to climate change in the region.

//Petra// NQ