International Stakeholders Review Progress of Potato Value Chain Development Project in Kurdistan Region

📍 UOD | May 19, 2025 – University Press Office (UNPO) | As part of its strategic commitment to agricultural sustainability and international collaboration, the University of Duhok (UOD) welcomed a high-level delegation from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI)  to assess the progress of the Potato Value Chain Development Project, currently being implemented by UOD’s College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences.

The meeting was hosted by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, and attended by:

• Ms. Eline Minneboo, RVO representative
   
• Dr. Janny Vos, Global Partnerships Coordinator at CABI

• Hussam Mohammed Rekani, CABI representative, Kurdistan and Iraq
   
• Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations, UOD
   
• Dr. Rafail Shlemon Toma, above-mentioned Project Coordinator, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, UOD
   

The project team and delegates discussed implementation outcomes, challenges, and future opportunities for expansion. Both RVO and CABI commended UOD’s leadership and field performance, highlighting the project as a model for regional food security and innovation.

🍽 Project Background: Enhancing Kurdistan’s Potato Sector

The Potato Value Chain Development Project (2020–2025) is a collaborative effort involving:

• UOD College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
   
• CABI, a UK-based intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable agriculture
   
• RVO, the Dutch government agency that supports international development
   
• HZPC, a Dutch potato breeding company
   
• KH Company, a local agricultural partner
   
• KRG Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources

The goal is to improve local potato production, strengthen farmer capacity, and introduce advanced techniques and disease-resistant varieties that ensure better market integration and sustainability.

🌿 Expanding Future Agricultural Potential

In addition to evaluating current progress, discussions covered potential extensions of the value chain model to include more crops.

“This project demonstrates UOD’s growing leadership in solving real-world agricultural challenges,” said Dr. Atrushi. “Through research-driven solutions and international collaboration, we are strengthening food systems and empowering local communities.”

🌐 About the Delegates and Institutions

CABI is an international, intergovernmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise in agriculture and the environment, with over 48 member countries

RVO is part of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. It helps entrepreneurs and institutions to develop projects that stimulate innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation, both within the Netherlands and abroad.

🔍 Strategic Alignment with UOD Vision 2023–2038

This initiative aligns with UOD’s long-term goals to:

• Advance sustainable agriculture and food security
   
• Promote science-based innovation through community engagement
   
• Build international partnerships that elevate Kurdistan’s agricultural sector
   
• Empower students and researchers through hands-on, high-impact projects
   
• Position UOD as a regional hub for agro-innovation and rural development

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

📢 University Press Office – May 21, 2025
📝 Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
📸 Photography by: Mohammed Abdulkareem Tahir

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