Tehran — Iran’s Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) has launched the country’s first National Artificial Intelligence Task Force for Agriculture and Natural Resources, a landmark initiative aimed at enabling smart management of agricultural production, water resources, pests, and crops as part of the transition toward knowledge-based agriculture.

 

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad announced the move in a statement responding to a recent report titled “Risk of Confusion at AREEO; Iran’s Agricultural Think Tank.” The ministry stressed that a core strength of AREEO’s current leadership lies in its program-oriented approach and the development of actionable plans aligned with national policy frameworks, including the Seventh National Development Plan and the National Knowledge-Based Food Security Document.

 

The statement noted that all ongoing AREEO programs are designed to meet obligations set out in these strategic documents, foster knowledge-based agricultural development, strengthen synergy among research, education, and extension activities at both national institutes and provincial centers, and improve productivity and effectiveness across the agricultural sector.

 

Among AREEO’s key ongoing initiatives are the formulation and supervision of agricultural production pattern reforms; the redesign and revitalization of major research programs to enhance coherence across research, education, and extension in priority areas; the revival of the Strategic Council for Research, Education and Extension with the active involvement of relevant deputy ministries and executive bodies; the implementation of production acceleration projects in cooperation with operational agencies; the advancement of applied research and development programs; and the expansion of collaboration with the private sector, including through the organization of a national innovation and technology event.

 

The ministry added that in the year 1404 (2025–2026), AREEO formally established the National AI Task Force for Agriculture and Natural Resources for the first time. The task force has been mandated to design and implement a series of national AI-based projects focused on intelligent management of agricultural production systems, water resources, pest control, and crop management, with the ultimate goal of boosting efficiency, sustainability, and food security.