Iraq to establish first regional seed bank to safeguard agricultural heritage
EU-backed project in Sulaymaniyah aims to preserve genetic diversity, boost food security, and combat climate change
SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraq has launched a pioneering initiative to build the Middle East’s first regional seed bank, aimed at preserving its rich agricultural legacy and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The project, located in the northern city of Sulaymaniyah, is being developed with funding from the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in coordination with the Iraqi government.
In a statement, FAO emphasized that the facility will play a vital role in protecting Iraq’s diverse plant genetic resources—estimated to include around 3,500 species with roots tracing back to Mesopotamian civilizations.
These species, ranging from wild cereals to traditional vegetables and indigenous crops, are considered of immense scientific and cultural value.
The seed bank will not only preserve this biodiversity but also support the development of climate-resilient crops by storing seeds with traits such as drought resistance, vital for adapting to environmental stress.
Equipped with advanced storage vaults, laboratories, research and training units, and data management systems, the facility is designed to serve as a center for seed conservation and agricultural innovation in the region.
FAO officials highlighted the importance of the gene bank in supporting Iraq’s long-term food security and in retaining valuable traits from native and wild plant varieties to guide future crop development.
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