IOFS urges launch of strategic initiative to secure food security across Muslim countries
Tehran – Leading officials from the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) have called for a radical shift in agricultural policy, urging the integration of "cutting-edge science with boots-on-the-ground practice" to safeguard food security across the Islamic world.
Speaking at the high-level symposium of "Climate-Smart Livestock: Adapting to a Changing Environment," Khosrow Naziri, Deputy Director General of the IOFS, said that technical progress must transcend basic biological research.
"The challenge is not merely genetic modification," he noted.
"The undeniable priority is a seamless synchronization between researchers, policymakers, and the producers themselves. We must transform localized knowledge into a collective asset for the entire Islamic community."
Naziri pointed out a critical inefficiency in current regional efforts: while individual member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) possess elite specialized knowledge, these capabilities remain siloed.
"Our strengths are currently scattered," he warned. "By establishing an organized, multilateral framework, we can leverage these distinct centers of excellence to benefit all member nations, ensuring no country is left behind in the transition to modern farming."
A major highlight of the session was the recognition of Iran’s sophisticated agricultural infrastructure. Naziri characterized Tehran as a "strategic nerve center" for the region's veterinary and livestock industries.
"Iran’s advanced facilities and geographic location represent a vital regional asset," he added. "This infrastructure is a cornerstone upon which we can build a more resilient and self-sufficient food ecosystem for the geography we share."
The roundtable concluded with a commitment from international delegates and researchers to accelerate the rollout of Smart Farming technologies.
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