Tehran – The head of the Research Institute for Seed and Plant Improvement announced a remarkable 70% surge in rapeseed cultivation during the 2024 crop year.

 

Mohammad Zamanian said the country’s total rapeseed production this year has surged from 145,000 tons to a record 280,000 tons compared to the same period last year.

 

He emphasized the pivotal role of the institute’s Oilseed Office, highlighting it as a cornerstone of research activity within the institute.

 

Underscoring the importance of hybrid seed production as outlined in the Seventh Development Plan, Zamanian emphasized the ambitious goal of achieving a 50% production rate for hybrid seeds. “To realize this objective, the institute will actively support private sector involvement in variety development, while simultaneously encouraging researchers to align their efforts with this strategic direction.”

 

He further advocated for the institutionalization of a stratified seed production system and the widespread adoption of certified seed production across arable crops, emphasizing the critical importance of generating economic returns by effectively leveraging domestic reserves and the invaluable genetic resources housed within the National Plant Gene Bank. 

 

Moreover, the head of the Research Institute for Seed and Plant Improvement urged researchers to proactively identify and address future challenges by developing forward-looking research projects.