Tehran - Iranian scientists have developed new drought-tolerant forage grasses that require as little as 350 millimeters of annual rainfall, marking the result of two decades of research at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute.

 

The project, led by Dr. Babak Nakhoda, focused on breeding low-water, eco-friendly perennial grasses to enhance food security, support livestock production, and protect rangelands and soil in arid and semi-arid regions.

 

Tested on over 10,000 plants from 11 species at the University of Tabriz, the new varieties can thrive in low-yield or rain-fed farmlands, reducing erosion and improving biodiversity.

 

The grasses contain 18–20% protein when grazed fresh and 12–14% when dried, and unlike alfalfa, they do not cause bloating in livestock. Suitable for small and large ruminants as well as horses, they can be used fresh, dry, or as silage.

 

By cutting water use and maintaining high feed quality, the innovation reduces dependence on imported animal feed, boosts farmers’ income, and supports organic meat and dairy production—a breakthrough with major economic and environmental benefits for Iran’s agriculture.