Iraq

Achievements

Key indicators and performance for 2009-2010

Indicator: Conservation cropping practices demonstrated to farmer groups in northern Iraq

Performance: Zero tillage is now practiced commercially on 500 ha by Iraqi farmers and is supported by 20 on-farm demonstrations.

Achievements from the 2009-10 Annual Report

The project in the drylands of northern Iraq aims to develop, evaluate and promote conservation cropping technologies involving zero tillage (ZT), stubble mulching, improved crop cultivars and better crop management. Project activity is focused in Ninevah governate.

ZT technology was first introduced into Iraq in an earlier project in 2006–07. In 2009–10 the known area of ZT crops has increased to 1,800 ha. In project-related development in Syria, where the technology was similarly little known or tested, total ZT area from project interactions was about 8,000–10,000 ha in 2009–10. A further 700 ha of ZT crops was grown in research and development projects involving Syrian research and extension groups. ICARDA has grown about 200 ha of ZT crops in trials and rotation / seed production areas.

The ongoing increase in awareness, research and development on the technology, the keen involvement of manufacturers and farmers in ZT seeder fabrication and testing and in taking up ZT, and the higher yields and lower costs being experienced provide a good foundation and confidence for wider adoption and impact. The more favourable year in 2009–10 has encouraged farmer enthusiasm and confidence in Ninevah and Syria.

The remote model of meeting in ICARDA is working well. A major driver towards conservation agriculture is the 100-fold increase in diesel prices. In capacity enhancement at ICARDA, there were 77 Iraqi scientist and technician training visits. Australian partners have delivered three of the courses, all focused on specific areas related to the project such as: socioeconomic planning and evaluation; geographic information systems (GIS) land use / cover mapping; crop management and postharvest operations in high-quality seed production; ZT plot seeder assembly, operation and maintenance; advanced design and analysis of experiments; best practices for collecting and conserving genetic resources; and participatory extension.