Tehran – Iranian scientists are set to introduce 40 new hybrid seed varieties this year, reflecting growing cooperation between the government and the private sector to advance agricultural innovation and strengthen domestic seed production.

 

Gholam-Mohammadi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and head of the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), said the organization is committed to supporting private companies and knowledge-based enterprises in developing solutions to the agricultural sector's technological challenges.

 

He said the number of knowledge-based startups and innovation units supported by AREEEO has increased from 610 to 639, while the number of agricultural incubators has risen to 34 and agricultural technology villages to 14.

 

Highlighting hybrid seed development as a model of successful public-private partnership, Gholam-Mohammadi noted that all five hybrid seed varieties introduced in 2018 were developed by the public sector. By contrast, 30 of the 39 hybrid varieties released in 2024 were developed with direct private-sector participation.

 

He added that 40 hybrid seed varieties are scheduled for release this year, with the private sector expected to play an even larger role in their development, further boosting innovation and self-sufficiency in Iran's seed industry.