The Desert Studies Center Successfully Cultivates Quinoa in Iraq

 In line with the Director of the Desert Studies Center's directives to explore the cultivation of non-traditional crops that contribute to reducing dependence on wheat, a specialized research program was implemented under the supervision of Professor Dr. Saif Al-Din Abdul Razzaq Salem, in cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture. The project was titled "Sustainable Development of Quinoa as a Complementary Crop to Strategic Crops (Wheat) Using Modern Technologies under Arid Environmental Conditions."

After four years of practical research, the results confirmed the success of quinoa cultivation in Iraq. The crop demonstrated high heat tolerance, in addition to its low fertilizer and irrigation requirements, making it an attractive option for farmers and agricultural investors alike.

Quinoa shows great potential in enhancing food security in Iraq, especially in light of the current climate challenges. It can be grown on reclaimed and marginal lands without competing with wheat as a strategic food crop. The center continues its commitment to providing applied research programs focused on non-traditional crops, such as quinoa, while providing scientifically based recommendations regarding irrigation, fertilization, and crop management. These efforts aim to encourage farmers to adopt this promising crop and maximize its agricultural and economic potential.