As part of efforts to strengthen the partnership between academic institutions and the agricultural sector, Assistant Professor Dr. Sami Khudhur Saeed, Dean of the College of Agriculture at Tikrit University, paid an official visit to the Directorate of Agriculture in Salahuddin Province.

This visit comes within the framework of governmental directives aimed at unifying efforts between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Agriculture, with the goal of supporting and developing the agricultural sector through scientific expertise and applied research.

The visit reflects a shared vision between both parties to build a sustainable agricultural sector in Salahuddin that relies on scientific innovation and modern technology. It also opens new opportunities for students and researchers at the College of Agriculture to conduct field studies and apply their theories in practice, enriching their experience and aligning their academic outcomes more closely with the needs of the labor market and society.

It was agreed to establish joint working teams comprising researchers from the college and experts from the directorate to develop a detailed action plan. This plan will include agricultural research and extension projects for the coming year, ensuring that this collaboration translates into tangible achievements that benefit Iraqi farmers and contribute to the growth of the local economy.

Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Waad Mahmoud Raouf, President of Tikrit University, and with the supervision and follow-up of Assistant Professor Dr. Sami Khudhur Saeed, Dean of the College of Agriculture, and as part of its ongoing efforts to support environmental sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and increase livestock resources, the College of Agriculture launched an initiative supported by AstraZeneca through an unrestricted grant. The initiative involved the release of more than 100,000 common carp (Cyprinus carpio) into the Tigris River.

This initiative aims to support the natural fish stock in the river and other water bodies, representing a pioneering step among Iraqi universities in the field of environmental and community service.

The event was attended by the University President, Deans of Colleges of Agriculture, and representatives of international organizations.

This initiative comes within the vision of Tikrit University to strengthen the link between education and sustainable environmental practices, while expanding effective partnerships with supporting institutions.

The College of Agriculture at Tikrit University, represented by its Dean, Assistant Professor Dr. Sami Khudhur Saeed, hosted the regular meeting of the Deans of Colleges of Agriculture across Iraqi universities. This significant event brought together leaders of the academic agricultural sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the country.

The meeting primarily emphasized the importance of developing this vital sector as a cornerstone for achieving food security and sustainable development in Iraq.

The participants discussed a number of key topics, including:

• Determining the official designation of the college and the procedures to be adopted regarding its departments and their nomenclature.

• Assessing the scientific status of agricultural departments and colleges.

• Discussing the establishment of a Department of Smart Agriculture Engineering.

• Reviewing the mechanism and updates related to the submission of applications for academic program accreditation.

• Authorship and timely responses.

• Additional proposals and issues related to Colleges of Agriculture.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections, this initiative was launched with the aim of encouraging broad participation in the electoral process. The Student Activities Division distributed awareness brochures to students, which not only explain the mechanism for updating the electoral register but also carry a clear message: “Your vote is a trust, and change can only be achieved through the ballot box.”

The brochures also include a detailed list of the locations and addresses of data updating centers in Salahuddin Province.