Pakistan
September 28, 2012

Scientists of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad have developed short duration crop varieties which ripen much earlier.

This was stated by Dr. Noor-ul-Islam, Director General Agricultural (Research) at the Annual Wheat Research Planning Programme.

Dr Noor-ul-Islam said due to concerted efforts of crop breeders of AARI Faisalabad acreage of major crops has increased considerably as crop intensity has been improved.

Highlighting the main challenges faced by wheat crop he told that climatic changes, non-seasonal heavy rains, drought, sudden changes in temperature are the main future challenges faced by wheat crop. In order to achieve food security in Pakistan the goal of sustained wheat production should be achieved, he added.

Dr. Makhdoom Hussain, Director, Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad elucidated in detail the main causes of reduction in wheat production. He stated that late sowing of wheat is major factor of low wheat production in the country.

In addition to this, diseases of wheat crop, sudden fluctuation in temperature and environmental changes are also responsible for lower wheat production.

He informed that if the wheat sowing is completed up to November 20th production of wheat could increase as after this date wheat yield is reduced day by day.

Highlighting the performance and achievement of Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad he said that varieties developed by the Institute have obtained higher first three positions in "National Yield Trails" which is great achievement of the Institute. Scientists of other provinces also offered their views about the research and production of wheat crop.

The scientists presented their recommendations regarding priorities and future planning of wheat crop.

The farmers also gave some proposals and added that quality of the seed provided to the growers need to be improved and production technology could also be furnished along with seed so that farmers could adopt latest recommendations for increasing wheat production.

The scientists were of the view that wheat research planning programme meeting would enable scientists to meet new challenges faced by wheat crop in the country and also help in increasing wheat production.

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Published: September 28, 2012