Food Value Chain for Potato Production Following Green Practices

As part of its project on the food value chain for potato production following green practices, and with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and in partnership with the Al-Aghsan Foundation for Agricultural and Environmental Development, the implementation of a project aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of vocational and technical education and training in Iraq has commenced. This project seeks to improve the quality and efficiency of agricultural extension services in Iraq by building the skills and capacities of extension employees through innovative digital extension training models, such as agricultural field schools, in light of environmental and climate changes. The project also aims to increase production rates in terms of quality and quantity for industrial potato production by using solar energy and sub-surface drip irrigation technology, which conserves approximately 90% of irrigation water compared to traditional methods currently used by farmers. Additionally, the project promotes the use of organic fertilizers and biological pest control as alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers.