The Minister of Agriculture visits Palestine Polytechnic University, inspects its research centers, and discusses strengthening partnerships to serve the agricultural sector.

•  A partnership based on the priorities of the agricultural sector and the needs of farmers.
•  Smart agriculture, water management, and innovation are at the heart of this joint cooperation.
•  Developing applied research and veterinary testing to support the agricultural sector.

Hebron: August 9, 2026

Minister of Agriculture, Professor Rizq Slaimiya, visited Palestine Polytechnic University today, Sunday, and toured several of its research, technological, and technical centers. He discussed with the university administration ways to enhance partnership and cooperation between the Ministry and the university in the fields of scientific research, agricultural education, technology, and innovation. The discussions focused on directing the outputs of scientific research towards serving the agricultural sector and responding to its priorities and the needs of farmers. The Minister was accompanied by the Directors General of the Agriculture Directorates in the governorate.

The Ministry delegation was welcomed by members of the Association of University Graduates Council/members of the University's Board of Trustees, Dr. Sufian Sultan and Engineer Alaa El-Din Al-Ja'bari, and by the university administration, represented by the University President, Professor Dr. Mustafa Abu Saffa, Dr. Muhammad Farajallah, and a number of faculty and research staff members.

⭕ Smart agriculture, water management, and innovation are at the heart of this joint cooperation.

⭕ Developing applied research and veterinary testing to support the agricultural sector.

Minister Slaimiya emphasized that the agricultural sector is a strategic component of the national economy, given its role in providing employment opportunities, strengthening farmers' resilience, and supporting food security and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of building an integrated system that links scientific research to the sector's actual needs and translates the outputs of universities, research centers, and technology institutions into practical applications and solutions that benefit farmers.

Both sides emphasized the importance of unifying efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture, the university, and scientific and technological research centers. They stressed the need to move from academic cooperation to joint applied research programs and projects directly linked to the priorities and needs of the agricultural sector, providing practical solutions, particularly in the areas of water use efficiency, smart agriculture, agricultural technology, and veterinary testing. This will support farmers, increase the sector's productivity and competitiveness, and enhance its sustainability and role in the national economy and food security.