Italian Researchers Visit the Soil and Water Research Institute (SWRI) of Iran

In line with the development of scientific and international collaborations, three researchers from the University of Tuscia, Italy, visited the Soil and Water Research Institute of Iran, with both parties emphasizing the importance of expanding research interactions in the area of sustainable agriculture.

According to the International Relations Affairs of the Soil and Water Research Institute, following correspondence from the Office of Scientific Cooperation and the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad, a meeting was held with the presence of the Director General, Deputies and researchers of the Institute, along with three researchers from the University of Tuscia (Italy) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The delegation from the University of Tuscia, led by Dr. Francesco Rossini and accompanied by Ms. Carla Deiana and Dr. Mohmood Kazemi Asfeh, elaborated on the global approach to replacing chemical inputs with bio-fertilizers and biological substances, stressing the necessity of international cooperation to enhance sustainable agriculture.

Rossini, in his address, referred to the negative impacts of climate change on crop production in Europe and Africa—particularly the reduced yields of crops such as wheat and barley—and called for scientific collaboration and the implementation of joint projects in areas such as plant genetic improvement, the use of growth stimulants, and the development of climate-resilient bio-fertilizers.

Following the meeting, the Italian delegation visited the Institute's Soil Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, where they observed and appreciated the scientific activities and research achievements of the related departments.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that a proposal would be made to sign a cooperation memorandum between the two parties. Based on this agreement, collaborative projects will be defined in areas such as the production and registration of bio-fertilizers for use in Europe and Africa, the design of organic growth stimulants, the production of bio-coated seeds, and the gradual replacement of chemical fertilizers.