The Center in Brief:
The Agricultural Research Center was established under the auspices of Hajjah University by University President's Decree No. (2) dated February 5, 2024. This stems from the Yemeni government's commitment to establishing specialized research centers aimed at conducting scientific research and managing and conserving natural resources.
The Agricultural Research Center is a major scientific institution dedicated to serving the community and developing its productive and technical capabilities. This, in turn, positively impacts meeting citizens' needs, maximizing benefits, and protecting the national food security system.
The Center is also a leading academic scientific institution capable of conducting high-quality studies and research at all local, national, and regional levels, in line with national plans and programs. Its aim is to promote the sustainable management of natural resources and empower and engage stakeholders in their conservation. This is achieved through policy development and decision-making that fosters positive changes and the sustainable use of these resources, ultimately ensuring a dignified life and food security for all.
Through its scientific and research endeavors, the center strives to achieve its objectives by conducting scientific research and studies related to the conservation of natural and environmental resources and the regulation of their use at the local, national, and regional levels. This includes designing and building a high-quality national database. The center continuously works to develop its technical and research capabilities in the use of various technologies to support scientific research, as well as collecting, documenting, and presenting high-quality information in a practical and readily applicable format for decision-makers, policymakers, and planners. This provides them with a comprehensive and timely understanding of various factors, enabling them to guide development projects according to needs assessments. The center also supports scientific research conducted by relevant specialized entities and fosters collaboration and coordination with relevant authorities to provide technical and scientific consultations to students and researchers in various fields.
The center's work relies on integrated research teams across diverse disciplines, comprising a select group of leading scientists, experts, and researchers in all fields related to agricultural studies. The center is considered an independent scientific and research body specializing in studying all aspects of water, land, plant and animal production, human resources, and the environment. It links these areas to the sustainable development of various agricultural lands and determines how to best utilize them to serve current and future generations.
Importance of the Center
The establishment of the Agricultural Research Center is significant because it aligns with the serious and dedicated efforts of the state, which recognizes that the future of current and future generations depends on developing, investing in, and improving the agricultural sector to achieve self-sufficiency and food security.
The importance of establishing the Agricultural Research Center at Hajjah University stems from the fact that Hajjah Governorate possesses large agricultural areas and is characterized by significant agricultural and economic activity. In light of this, the idea of establishing an agricultural scientific research center in the Abs district of Tihama was conceived, based on the government's vision and genuine interest in achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports. The following points will clarify several key areas and the importance of each:
1- Enhancing Agricultural Production Efficiency and Reducing Losses:
The agricultural sector in the country suffers from numerous challenges, such as low productivity, resource depletion, and decline. Therefore, the center can contribute to increasing agricultural production efficiency through research and innovation, and by providing technical and technological support to farmers. More effective and sustainable farming methods will also be developed to improve crop productivity and reduce losses.
2- Developing and Implementing Modern Agricultural Technologies on Farms:
The center provides a research environment for developing and improving modern agricultural technologies. These technologies will be studied and evaluated through field trials, and then technical advice and training will be provided to farmers to adopt and implement them on their farms, leading to increased productivity and improved crop quality.
3- Providing High-Yield Seeds and Varieties to Farmers:
The center will conduct research and experiments to develop improved agricultural varieties that are adapted to the region's conditions and resistant to local diseases and pests. These varieties will also be tested in experimental farms and breeding centers, and farmers will then be provided with these high-yielding seeds and varieties. This will significantly contribute to increasing crop productivity and improving farmers' economic conditions.
4- Training farmers in modern agricultural techniques:
The center will offer training programs to disseminate knowledge and teach farmers modern agricultural techniques. This includes training in efficient farming methods and the use of modern technologies such as irrigation control, genetic improvement, and pest and disease management. These programs will help enhance farmers' skills and develop their capabilities to improve their production and manage their farms effectively.
5- Conducting scientific research to solve agricultural sector problems:
The center serves as an important scientific resource for conducting specialized agricultural research to solve problems facing the agricultural sector in many regions. Researchers and experts will have the opportunity to work in a supportive environment to conduct studies, experiments, and data analysis. Research will focus on improving farming practices and addressing local challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and plant diseases.
6- Contributing to Improved Food Security:
By developing the agricultural sector, increasing its productivity, and improving crop quality, the center will contribute to enhancing food security by providing a sufficient quantity of healthy and diverse food, thus reducing dependence on food imports from other countries.
Based on the above, it can be said that establishing the Agricultural Research Center is a vital investment in developing the agricultural sector. It will also contribute
