The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) has announced the establishment of an Agritech Committee that will focus on AI-driven agriculture and the sustainable use of fertilizers. The committee will be chaired by Dr. Amet Selman, the CEO of AAA Holding. With the aim of significantly improving agricultural practices in Iraq, the committee plans to utilize AI-driven soil testing to map the country’s farmland and determine the best types and quantities of fertilizers needed for optimal yields.
Iraq, historically known for its fertile land, has seen a decline in its agricultural sector in recent decades due to conflicts and an oil-dependent economy relying heavily on imports. The IBBC has been in discussions with various institutions, including the Agri Epi Centre, the Henry Doubleday Center, British Water, and the World Food Programme, along with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture and the Kurdish Regional Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, to address and improve Iraq’s agricultural practices.
Mr. Christophe Michels, the Managing Director of IBBC, expressed his delight at one of their members taking the initiative to tackle this vital challenge, aiming to restore Iraq’s position as a breadbasket in the Middle East. Baroness Nicholson, IBBC’s President, also commented on the establishment of the Agritech Committee.
The introduction of cutting-edge technologies and international best practices, with a focus on British expertise, is expected to revolutionize Iraq’s food production. Dr. Selman will be personally overseeing the committee’s work and driving its implementation forward.
By leveraging AI and advanced soil testing, the committee aims to dramatically improve agricultural productivity and ultimately boost food production in Iraq. Through the collaborative efforts of the IBBC, external experts, and interested members, Iraq’s agricultural sector is set to witness significant advancements, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
It is hoped that this initiative will not only address the challenges faced by Iraq’s agricultural sector but also contribute to the country’s overall economic development and food security, reaffirming Iraq’s historical status as a fertile land capable of meeting its own food demands. With the IBBC’s commitment to this project, Iraq is poised to reclaim its position as a leading agricultural nation in the Middle East.