The maize and forage crops research department was established in 1970 to develop and improve hybrid maize cultivars in cooperation with the Zemon Polje breeding institute in Yugoslavia, therefore, 20 Iranian along with seven Yugoslavian experts commenced research and breeding activities on agronomic, breeding, seed production programs and control and management of pests, diseases and weeds. Research activities related to the maize development of cultivation and production begun in Iran. Research projects and experiments as well as introduction of new machinery for mechanized cultivation, husbandry, and harvesting of maize were considered and implemented. Breeding for hybrid maize cultivars adapted to different climatic conditions of Iran and preparation of hybrid seed was among the top priorities.
Research on forage crops commenced simultaneously with research on maize and begun with research on alfalfa. In 1984, with the establishment of the Forage Crops Research Department, research on forage crops, in addition to alfalfa, including clover, sorghum, millets, sainfoin, and some other forage crops was assigned to this new department. In 1998, the Maize and Forage Crops Research Department was established and breeding and research on maize and forage crops have been assigned to it. Currently, 62 experts and researchers from all over the country are involved in research and breeding projects on maize, sorghum, alfalfa, clover, millets, sainfoin, vetch, green pea and sulla. This department has collaborated with foreign and international institutions and research centers such as International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Novi Sad, and the Lukyanenko Institute in Krasnodar, Russia.
Number of released cultivars by Maize and Forage Crops Research department in the period of 1979-2023.