Islamabad:Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable wheat surplus to cater to global markets and food-deficit countries. He made these remarks during a meeting with Dr. Flavio Breseghello, Director of CIMMYT's Global Wheat Program, and Dr. Sajid Ali, Senior Scientist and Country Representative for Pakistan.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with CIMMYT to boost Pakistan's wheat productivity by utilizing improved genetics, modern research facilities, and advanced production technologies. He acknowledged the six-decade partnership between CIMMYT and Pakistan and stressed that future cooperation should increasingly focus on cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to enhance wheat productivity further.
The Minister was informed that fifteen scientists have received training in Kenya, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Mexico this year. Additionally, he noted that twenty-one seed banks have been established in twenty districts across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged districts.
Dr. Breseghello, in his remarks, underscored the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and CIMMYT and the role of genetic improvements in achieving sustained growth in wheat yields.