The University of Duhok (UoD is proud to be a key partner in the CABI-led five-year project focused on Potato Value Chain Development in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Implemented through a public-private partnership, this initiative aims to enhance local potato production, improve processing capabilities, and create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and vulnerable groups in the region.

Project Overview

Objectives:

• ✅ Strengthening the horticulture sector in KRI through modern agricultural practices

• ✅ Developing a sustainable, locally-sourced value chain to meet regional demand for potato products

• ✅ Increasing farmer income resilience by enhancing crop yield and quality

• ✅ Reducing reliance on imported potatoes by making local products more competitive

This project is designed to ensure that potato cultivation and processing become sustainable industries that significantly contribute to local economic development.

Project Partners:

This highly ambitious project is made possible through collaboration between public and private sector partners:

• University of Duhok (UoD) – Academic knowledge partner providing research and innovation support

• CABI (Lead Partner) – Implementing organization focusing on agricultural capacity-building

• Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (KRG) – Supporting policy and infrastructure development

• Kartopa and IBP Companies – Engaged in seed supply and processing innovations

• KH & HZPC Private Sector Partners – Responsible for cold storage, processing facilities, employment, and market development

Budget: EUR 6 million
Duration: 5 years (December 2020 – November 2025)

Project Focus Areas

Key Activities & Implementation

Project Area 1: Capacity Building & Training

The project prioritizes capacity development through training programs and access to modern agricultural techniques. Key outcomes include:

• Training of Trainers: Equipping agricultural professionals and farmers with the latest techniques in potato cultivation and value chain management.

• Improved Farming Methods: Enhancing awareness and adoption of best practices in potato production.

• Increased Productivity: Expanding the production area and ensuring access to high-quality inputs.

• Establishing a Potato Minituber Production Lab: At the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences (UoD), in coordination with Kartopa and IBP Companies, a specialized Plant Tissue Culture Lab has been developed to produce potato minitubers, improving seed quality and yield.

Project Area 2: Post-Harvest & Processing Development

To support long-term sustainability, the project is investing in infrastructure and training to enhance post-harvest services and establish potato processing facilities. Key initiatives include:

• Local Production of French Fries: Setting up processing plants to produce French fries from locally grown potatoes.

• Employment Generation: Providing training and jobs for IDPs, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.

• Improved Processing Facilities: Creating accessible infrastructure for farmers to store and process locally produced potatoes.

Why This Project Matters

Addressing the Challenges

Agriculture in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq remains a low input/low output sector due to:

• Lack of investment in value chain development

• Poor post-harvest storage and absence of local processing facilities

• Inconsistent access to high-quality seeds

• Limited agricultural training and extension services

• High dependency on low-quality, imported agricultural products

Through this project, smallholder farmers will receive the resources, training, and infrastructure needed to compete in the local market and reduce reliance on imports.

Impact on the University of Duhok & the Community

This initiative offers multiple benefits to UoD, its faculty, students, and the wider agricultural community:

• Enhancing Faculty Expertise – Research and training programs will build faculty capacity

• Increasing Global Recognition – Strengthening UoD’s international reputation in agricultural research

• Creating Career Opportunities – Generating jobs for UoD graduates in agriculture and agribusiness

• Attracting New Students – Encouraging student enrollment in horticultural studies

• Supporting Local Investment – Encouraging private-sector engagement in agriculture

• Expanding International Collaboration – Strengthening UoD’s participation in global agricultural projects

• Aligning with Governmental Strategies – Supporting KRG’s vision for food security and sustainability

Summary

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s favorable climate and soil fertility make it an ideal location for potato production. However, limited investment and outdated farming methods have hindered the sector’s full potential. This project seeks to bridge the gap between research, industry, and farmers, providing the tools necessary to modernize agriculture, increase productivity, and develop a competitive local potato industry.

By investing in training, infrastructure, and innovation, this initiative will create a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem in KRI—one that benefits farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.

For more information on this project and other agricultural initiatives at the University of Duhok, please visit the DOIR website.