As 60% of the country lies in arid and semi-arid region, researchers are studying new methods of crop cultivation. Under the circumstances, increasing agricultural productivity by incorporating new methods of irrigation and optimizing water use are a priority.
Agriculture researchers in Ardebil Province after decade-long research have been successful in growing spring-crops during fall in efforts to conserve water.
The pilot plan was successfully carried out in Moghan city in the northern parts of the province for the first time in the country. Spring sugar-beet crops were cultivated during fall season, a promising feat in water conservation, said Hossein Karbalei, head of Ardebil Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center.
Stressing that water scarcity “is not a passing phase in the country,” he said state-of-the-art irrigation methods should be employed in crop cultivation.
Expanding identification of plants that can tolerate salt, drought and cold are the next priorities for the research center, he added.
Karbalei said it is important for farmers to expand their agricultural knowledge and get familiar with new techniques and technologies to increase productivity. Cultivation of crops by educated farmers is significantly higher than the national average standards, by 331%, 630%, and 1,230% for irrigated wheat, dry land wheat, and olives respectively.
More than 800 tons of grain will be available for farming this year (started March 21), he added.
