Markazi – Markazi Province, in the center of Iran, is the only repository of Iran's bean genetic resources, housing between 1,800 and 2,000 genotypes, according to the head of the province's Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center.

 

Dr. Davoudi-Rad said that the province also holds the country's most important backup pomegranate gene bank in Saveh, with 840 varieties, giving it a unique role in national food security and agricultural independence.

 

“Under Iran's Seventh Development Plan, two key targets, 50% productivity growth and 1.5% annual value-added increase, have been set for food security.”

 

Davoudi-Rad stressed that achieving these goals depends on genetic resources and the production of certified seeds and saplings. The center has already achieved full self-sufficiency in producing primary seeds for irrigated wheat and barley.

 

He noted that the center is the country's only specialized authority for developing new bean varieties. "Since 2023, eight new bean cultivars, red, white, and chiti, have been released, featuring drought tolerance and improved economic yield. Around 50 tons of various breeder seeds are transferred to companies annually, a figure that reached 100 tons this year."

 

“The center has also developed 46 new genotypes of damask rose, 76 of thyme, and 225 medicinal plant species at its research stations.”

 

In the field of innovation, Davoudi-Rad highlighted the establishment of tech cores at the agricultural growth center, which later transition to the science and technology park.