Call for proposals - Training for Iranian Potato and Seed Potato Producers – IPM and Soil Management – MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)

Opportunity for Dutch training providers to organise a training programme on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Soil Management as part of the MENA Scholarship Programme.

This call is open for Dutch training providers who:

  • are interested in knowledge exchange with Potato and Seed Potato Producers, Farmers, and Technical Experts from Iran.
  • have a track record of providing training in the suggested topics.
  • have experience in Iran or in a comparable country in the region.
  • are interested in providing training in the Netherlands combined with online sessions before and after the face-to-face training.
  • meet the general MSP TMT criteria.
  • agree with the MSP TMT Grant Conditions.

Suggested target group for the training programme

The participants will include a diverse group of individuals involved in potato and seed potato production in Iran, including farmers with varying scales of operation and technical experts providing support to the sector.

  • Potato farmers, including both ware potato and seed potato producers.
  • Technical experts and agricultural engineers involved in potato cultivation and advisory services.
  • Individuals involved in agricultural cooperatives and associations related to the potato sector.

The aim is to build the capacity of these stakeholders to adopt more sustainable and productive farming practices.

Suggested topics - Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  • Identification of key potato pests and diseases in Iran, including the Colorado potato beetle and nematode potato cyst.
  • Monitoring and surveillance techniques for pest and disease management.
  • Non-chemical pest control methods, such as traps and barriers, biological control (like Bacillus thuringiensis), and cultural practices.
  • Responsible and minimal use of pesticides.
  • Developing and implementing IPM strategies tailored to different potato growing regions in Iran.

Suggested topics - Soil Management

  • Soil fertility assessment and improvement practices.
  • Incorporating compost, manure, and green manure to increase soil organic matter.
  • Reducing tillage intensity to maintain soil moisture and prevent erosion.
  • Implementing cover cropping during the off-season.
  • Addressing soil salinization issues prevalent in some regions of Iran.
  • Promoting crop rotation with beneficial crops like legumes.
  • Sustainable fertilizer use, including balancing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and exploring organic alternatives like seaweed fertilizer and vermicompost.
  • Water utilization practices in potato farms, including efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation.
  • Water reuse methods, considering the limitations for vegetable crops.
  • Understanding suitable soil types for potato farming in Iran, emphasizing sandy loam and loamy soil.
  • Exposure to Dutch soil management practices and technologies, based.

Requirements for the Dutch training provider

Interested Dutch training providers should meet the general MSP TMT criteria mentioned on the MSP TMT call page and demonstrate:

  • A track record of providing training in Integrated Pest Management and/or Soil Management.
  • Experience in capacity building programmes for international participants.
  • Interest in knowledge exchange with Iran in the field of potato production and sustainable agriculture.
  • The ability to deliver training content that can be effectively translated and understood by Iranian participants. Professional Farsi translation of training materials and interpretation during sessions will be essential. Qualified Farsi interpreters must be available during all training sessions to ensure full accessibility and understanding for all Iranian participants.
  • Interest in customising the training for the specific needs of Iranian potato and seed potato producers, farmers, and technical experts based on a needs assessment which is conducted at the beginning of the training.
  • A clear methodology for knowledge transfer and practical application of IPM and soil management techniques relevant to the Iranian context, potentially drawing parallels with Dutch experiences.
  • The capacity to arrange field visits to relevant agricultural sites and research institutions in the Netherlands.

We recommend the development of a back home action plan for all participants to make sure that the newly gained knowledge and experience is implemented once the participants are back in their home country.

Suggested location and timing

  • The training has to take place in the Netherlands to facilitate knowledge exchange with and exposure to Dutch agricultural practices. It is not possible for Dutch training providers to provide the training in Iran.
  • The duration of the training in the Netherlands should be sufficient to cover the key topics effectively, potentially involving a period of at least one week face-to-face training combined with online sessions before and after the training.
  • Field visits to relevant Dutch potato farms, research facilities, and agricultural organisations should be arranged to provide practical insights and networking opportunities.
  • The training programme should involve an initial introductory session online to discuss the need assessments, establish context, determine the training goals with the participants and give the group a chance to get to know each other and the trainers before they travel to the Netherlands.
  • One or more online follow-up session(s) should be organised to discuss the application of learned techniques in the Iranian context.

Expected Outcomes and Goals

The goal of this training programme is to:

  • Increase the knowledge and expertise of Iranian potato and seed potato producers and technical experts in IPM strategies and sustainable soil management practices, informed by Dutch practices.
  • Promote the adoption of more environmentally friendly and sustainable potato farming methods in Iran, addressing issues such as excessive pesticide use and soil degradation.
  • Contribute to improved potato yields and quality in Iran through better pest and soil management.
  • Foster potential partnerships and knowledge exchange between Iranian and Dutch institutions in the field of agriculture.
  • Provide participants with insights into advanced agricultural technologies and practices used in the Netherlands that could be adapted for the Iranian context.
  • Enhance the long-term sustainability and profitability of the Iranian potato sector through the adoption of IPM and sustainable soil management.

More information

  • The goal of this call for proposals is to identify a training provider who has the knowledge, experience and network to provide the requested training for the intended target group.
  • The estimated number of participants is 15.
  • The time of the training can be discussed with all stakeholders once a Dutch training provider is selected. The training has to be executed within one year after the selection.
  • Outreach to relevant stakeholders and the selection of participants will take place in coordination with Nuffic and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Iran.
  • All training providers who want to participate in the MSP TMT have to provide a valid COCA (Checklist Organisational Capacity Assessment).
  • If arranging a Farsi speaking translator is challenging, please contact Nuffic for advice.
  • Please carefully read the call information and documents on our website Call for Tailor-Made group training for Dutch providers – MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) | Nuffic before submitting a training proposal.
  • Please use the proposal form to apply for this call for proposals.
  • For any questions please send an email to msp@nuffic.nl

Budget

75.000 Euro.

Deadline

30 June 2025 23.59 CEST

Expected selection

July 2025

Meer over