Jordan development firm ECO Consult implemented a training course for a number of agricultural investors and some owners of private sector companies in Iraq (Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Karbala, Anbar, Mosul, Dohuk, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil) in collaboration with the Dutch Delphy agricultural consultancy company.
Introducing modern farming methods
The program was funded by the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs. The course, implemented by ECO, was titled Introducing Modern Farming Methods, Enhancing and Developing the Skills of the Iraqi Farmers.
A field visit to some fields and agricultural stations in Erbil was one of the training activities, and the training has lasted for five days.
"The demand for produce, especially vegetable products, is gradually increasing in the market. Currently, there's much being imported from neighboring countries and there's a strong urge for investors and growers to think about kind of horticulture projects," says Didar Jameel with ECO Consult.
The company collaborated with Dutch companies to help to develop this sector. One of the program's main goals is to promote knowledge exchanges and the transfer of expertise and skills to Iraqi farms. "For growers nowadays the marketing and lack of packaging post-harvest are the main challenges."
"The Iraqi government supports the development of strategic crops like wheat, and they also want to make routines easier for anyone wanting to make a business in this sector," he adds. "We support them with advice, making feasibility studies and help them with all technical issues and technical needs during the start of a company and with anything from A to Z related to this sector."
For more information:
ECO Consult
https://www.ecoconsult.jo/