The President of the Horticultural Science Research Institute of Iran emphasized the necessity of revising horticultural research priorities to align with the existing challenges in the country.

According to the Public Relations Office of the University of Kurdistan; during the closing ceremony of the 14th Iranian Horticultural Science Congress today, Wednesday, June 10, Mohiuddin Pirkhezri highlighted the need for modern strategies in shaping the future of national horticulture, stating: "Investing in horticulture is an investment in the country's future."

He added: "Water scarcity is the most significant current and future challenge facing the country and the most strategic limiting factor for economic progress and agricultural production."

The President of the Horticultural Science Research Institute noted: "Over the past decades, the quantitative and qualitative growth of agricultural products has increased, but at a high environmental cost, an issue that must be seriously addressed."

He further clarified: "Under conditions where the country's water resources are under severe pressure, utilizing the capacities of rain-fed horticulture can play a key role in food security, rural employment, and sustainable development." He deemed the creation of sustainable economic models in horticultural production that attract investment as essential.

The President of the Horticultural Science Research Institute also called for the scrutiny and analysis of all scientific outputs presented in horticultural congresses over the past decade and an evaluation of their effectiveness.