Strengthening Agricultural Development in Iraq: A Collaborative Effort
The Beirut Erbil Potato Products Company has taken a pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices in Iraq by welcoming key representatives from the French Consulate in Erbil and Mosul, the French Development Agency (AFD), and Mercy Corps Europe. This collaboration aims to launch and support several potato cultivation projects under the Promoting Economic Revival and Modern Agriculture (PERMA) program, managed by Mercy Corps Iraq.
The PERMA initiative, focusing on industrial potato farming in Nineveh and Salah al-Din governorates, adopts a contract farming model in partnership with Nahaar Al-Awrad Company and Beirut Erbil Potato Products Company. The project’s primary goal is to improve access for low-income farmers to high-quality agricultural inputs and connect them with major companies and suppliers like the Al-Awrad Group. By providing these essential resources and establishing strong industry connections, the project aims to boost the productivity and income of local farmers.
The delegation, comprising notable members such as Hassan Bashar and Nicolas Tremblay from AFD, Serge Snrech from AFD, Barbara Scola from Mercy Corps Europe, Bertrand Effantin representing France and Switzerland for Mercy Corps Europe, Robert Dolan, Team Lead PERMA, Oryem Peter, Agribusiness Manager PERMA, Ahmed Abdulbaset, PERMA Junior Program Manager, and Tahseen Hassan Ahmed, PERMA Intervention Lead, visited the agricultural projects to witness the progress and impact of the initiatives.
This visit underscores the commitment of international development agencies and local companies to revitalizing agriculture in the region. By improving access to high-quality inputs and fostering strong links with key industry players, the PERMA program aims to enhance the productivity and income levels of local farmers, thus promoting economic growth and sustainability.
The strategic partnerships exemplified by this collaboration highlight the importance of unified efforts in addressing agricultural challenges. The success of the PERMA program could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions, driving economic development and enhancing food security.
The collaboration between the Beirut Erbil Potato Products Company, the French Consulate, the AFD, and Mercy Corps Europe represents a significant stride towards revitalizing Iraq’s agricultural sector. Through the PERMA program, low-income farmers gain crucial access to resources and industry connections, setting the stage for improved productivity and income. This initiative showcases the power of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable agricultural development and economic growth.
