Iraq produces domestic Super S potato seed for first time, agriculture ministry says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture announced on Monday that the country has produced its first domestic batch of Super S potato seed, calling the development a scientific and strategic step for the agricultural sector. Super S potato seed is a class known for high yields and durability. Ministry officials said locally producing the seed is intended to reduce import dependence and give farmers access to higher-quality planting material. The project was carried out at agricultural research centers after an extended breeding program, the ministry said. Officials added that successful production creates the capacity to gradually lower Iraq's reliance on imported potato seed. The ministry said infrastructure work is continuing to prepare for the distribution of the domestically produced seed to farmers, and described the development as an important gain for food security.