Irrigated and Dryland Wheat Research Strategic Program.

English. In the 21st century, agriculture continues to play a fundamental role in sustainable development and poverty reduction. Agriculture as the basis for economic growth in the agriculture-based countries requires a productivity revolution. This has been depicted in the 5th Economic, Cultural and Social Development Program in Iran by emphasizing on the food security based on in-country production from strategic crops particularly wheat. In addition to increasing wheat grain yield, a suitable model of food supply and consumption for the 1400 vision (2020 vision) is suggested to overcome the inefficiency of the existing model. Population increase and limitations in development of wheat growing areas in Iran have led to this conclusion that increase in grain yield is the focal point and a practicable strategy for production of sufficient wheat grain to meet the requirements of the country. To achieve this goal it is necessary to carefully determine all limiting factors and constraints that hinder the promotion of wheat grain yield and production and to develop suitable research and executive approaches to overcome these constraints. Published information by the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture shows that the average wheat harvested areas in Iran during 1990-2005 was 6.3 million hectares. The average harvested areas of irrigated wheat during this period was 2.3 million hectares. However, in 1998 it approached 2.5 million hectares and in 2000 due mainly to severe drought it declined to 2.1 million hectares. The harvested areas of dryland wheat during 1999-2005 varied from 2.4 million hectares in 1999 to 4.5 million hectares in 2004. Its average was 4.0 million hectares during 1990-2005. Increase in grain yield during this period was not stable and varied, from 8.0 million tons to more that 14.0 million tons, with variation in growing season conditions particularly drought as well as supportive mismanagements. Analysis of variation in grain yield during the concerned period indicates that improvement in irrigated wheat grain yield from 2265...

English. ...Kgha-1 in 1990 to 3827 Kgha-1. The average grain yield is more influence by the grain yield of dryland wheat. Therefore, wheat production increase was essentially affected by the average grain yield of irrigated wheat. The main objectives of this study were; a) understanding of the past and present status of wheat research and production, b) analysis of research achievements in the past and present in Iran and in the world, c) analysis of limitations and constraints, d) prioritizing of limitations and constrains, e) development of research and executive approaches for irrigated and dryland wheat in Iran. To achieve these objectives the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) approach was followed. This approach includes eight stages as followings: 1. Reviewing of sub-sections 2. Analysis and of limitations and constraints 3. Analysis of available research achievements 4. Determination of strategy and research objectives 5. Development of pilot research plans and projects 6. Prioritizing 7. Gap analysis of human forces and available resources 8. Recommendations for the implementation of the program In this approach a complex cycle of planning, implementation, supervision and evaluation is developed in which the representatives of research institutions and other research beneficiaries are involved. In the results section, considering the limitations and constraints the problems tree has been drawn and research and executive approaches and recommendations are also presented following the same model.