FAO promotes mechanized rice transplanting techniques in Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq — The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization held an information seminar in Najaf to introduce mechanical rice seedling transplanting techniques, with representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Najaf Provincial Council and the Union of Farmers' Associations in attendance. Salah El Haj Hassan, FAO's representative in Iraq, described the mechanical transplanting method as a key part of a sustainable agricultural strategy aimed at shifting from traditional practices to modern, higher-yield applications. He said the Water Resources Ministry approved rice cultivation this year, that a pilot model has been completed on a 100-donum area, and that farmers will receive 80,000 mechanical seedling trays and laser-leveling devices. El Haj Hassan reported that the technique reduces water consumption by 30 percent, cuts seed use from 150 kilograms to about 60 kilograms, lowers pesticide use by 80 percent and increases crop productivity by 15 to 20 percent. Mihak Abdulhusein Al-Haffaji, technical undersecretary at the Agriculture Ministry, said the ministry covers 75 percent of the cost of mechanical seedlings and that roughly 200 mechanical transplanting machines are currently available in Najaf. Jamal Abdul Zaid Shallaka, director of Najaf's environment office, said the seminar was organized in light of water scarcity and the need to transition to modern farming methods.