Iran and China establish joint rice research centre to develop drought-resistant crops

Iran’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Gholam Reza Koll Mohammadi, has announced the establishment of a joint rice research centre between Iran and China. The initiative aims to develop drought-resistant hybrid rice varieties with yields exceeding six tonnes per hectare. As part of the cooperation, new Chinese sugarcane strains with double the productivity of current types will also be introduced to Iran.

Koll Mohammadi said to Mehr News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS, that the new centre would enhance scientific and technological collaboration between the two countries. The project forms part of a long-term partnership framework designed to strengthen agricultural innovation and boost food security.

He noted that cooperation with China has been expanding in recent years through joint research and development programmes. The establishment of the rice research centre marks a significant step in advancing crop resilience and productivity through shared expertise.

Following reciprocal visits by senior officials from both nations, the agreement also allows for the training of Iranian agricultural researchers in China. Six young scientists will take part in advanced seed-breeding courses funded by the Chinese government, covering fields such as horticulture, oilseeds, wheat, rice, potatoes, rapeseed and ornamental plants.

Photo: Oleksii Liskonih  / iStock