June 18, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
Under the auspices and hosting of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Duhok, the annual meeting of the Deans of the Colleges of Agricultural Engineering Sciences from across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region successfully concluded today, Thursday, June 18, 2026. The two-day event, which is hosted by a different university each year, featured a series of extensive field visits followed by official meetings and scientific discussions.

Participants in the Meeting:

• Dr. Shukri Haji Salih, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Duhok.
• The Vice Dean, Heads of Departments, and faculty members of the college.
• More than 40 deans and representatives of the colleges of agricultural engineering sciences from various universities in southern and central Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, such as (Baghdad, Salahaddin-Erbil, Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk, Anbar, Wasit, Muthanna, Samarra, Karbala, Dhi Qar, Tikrit, Diyala, Sumer, and Tal Afar).

Day One: Field Visit Program (June 17):
During the first day, the visiting delegation toured several strategic and pioneering projects and companies in the region, including:

• Bamrze Area: The delegation visited KH Agricultural Company, one of the leading companies in planting and producing potatoes. As part of its scientific and international outreach, the UOD College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences collaborates with this company on a potato production project, financially supported by the international Dutch organization (CABI) and supervised directly by Prof. Dr. Rofael Shlimon Toma alongside college faculty. The delegation visited the production fields, advanced cold storage facilities, and the Jotyar Factory for the production of French fries.
• Barzan Area: The delegation visited the Shrine of the Immortals and the Barzan Museum, where Sheikh Khalat Barzani welcomed them and provided a brief overview of the region's history, the sacrifices of the spiritual father of the Kurdish nation, Mullah Mustafa Barzani, and the people of the Barzan area.
• Balinda Area: The delegation toured Rami Farm Company for dairy products to observe the modern machinery and technologies used in milk and dairy production.

Day Two: Official Meeting and Final Recommendations (June 18):
The events of the final day were held at the Convention Center of the University of Duhok.

The day's program opened with a welcoming speech by Dr. Lokman Hadi Hasan, Vice President for Scientific Affairs at the University of Duhok, who warmly received the guests and emphasized the university's dedication to advancing agricultural education. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation by Prof. Dr. Rofael Shlimon Toma, who highlighted the history, scientific departments, academic systems, and achievements of the host college, paying special attention to its joint projects with Dutch, German, and American institutions.

Following the presentations, the formal meeting of the Deans of Agriculture Colleges commenced. The session provided a crucial platform for the deans to exchange ideas on pressing agricultural issues facing the country and discuss strategic ways to further organize and modernize agricultural studies in their respective colleges.

In a gesture of appreciation and academic fellowship, Dr. Shukri Haji Salih, Dean of the UOD College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, presented commemorative shields to the visiting deans to mark the occasion.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the official recommendations of the gathering were read by the Head of the Agriculture Deans Committee, Dr. Hakeem Sultan Abid, Dean of the College of Agriculture at University of Wasit. The approved recommendations emphasized strengthening inter-university collaboration through:

• Exchanging academic and administrative staff among universities.
• Organizing and holding joint scientific events and conferences.
• Conducting collaborative academic workshops.
• Arranging mutual visits to share expertise and develop the agricultural sector in the country.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, the visiting delegation toured the University of Duhok campus and the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences to view its facilities and academic environment.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE

University Press Office – June 18, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photos by: Mohammed A. Tahir