On February 16, 2026, the Center for Arid Farming and Conservation Agriculture Research began planting genetic lines of spring chickpea received from International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), as part of the center’s research program aimed at evaluating and improving crop genetic lines under local environmental conditions.

  These research trials aim to develop promising spring chickpea varieties suited to farming conditions in dry and semi-arid regions, contributing to increased productivity and improved water-use efficiency, thereby supporting food security and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production.

  Planting operations were carried out under the supervision of the Head of the Genetic Resources Department, Assistant Professor Dr. Ma’an Mohammed Saleh, with the participation of several female agricultural engineers from the center’s research staff, within ongoing efforts to develop field crops and expand the agricultural genetic resource base.

  These research activities are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) through improving the productivity of strategic crops, Goal 13 (Climate Action) by developing varieties more adaptable to climate change, and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through promoting the sustainable use of agricultural resources.

#University_of_Mosul.

#Center_for_Arid_Farming_and_Conservation_Agriculture_Research’s.

#sustainable_development.