Iran and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) are planning to implement joint agricultural projects in the country, a senior official said.

Hooman Fathi, a senior official at Agriculture Jihad Ministry recently met and reviewed a plan to develop cooperation in in the agriculture sector with the Jica representative in Iran, Kuhi Sato, IRNA was reported as saying by Iran Daily.

Fathi said that currently several joint projects are under-way in Iran in close cooperation with Jica, it added.

He highlighted the importance of upgrading water resources in Golestan province, afforestation and pastures development in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province, and rice mechanisation as some of the joint projects undertaken by Jica.

He hoped that Jica and Agriculture Jihad Ministry would develop mutual understanding to upgrade capabilities for carrying out joint projects.

Sato underlined Haraz centre for application of modern technology in agriculture as one of the successful projects noting that the centre started its operation in rice cultivation in 2011 and currently it also extends training to experts from other regional countries.