Dr. Hussain emphasised on the PARC’s commitment to helping seed companies, public and private sector institutes, and researchers evaluate and release new rice hybrids and varieties.
The 14 high-yield rice varieties from private seed companies were recommended for cultivation in Pakistan on Monday by the rice evaluation committee of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, a member of the Plant Sciences Division of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), presided over the meeting of the rice variety evaluation committee (VEC) at the PARC headquarters in Islamabad. Dr. Hussain emphasised during the meeting PARC’s commitment to helping seed companies, public and private sector institutes, and researchers evaluate and release new rice hybrids and varieties.
In addition to scientists from federal and provincial rice research institutes, attendees included representatives from the Federal Seed Certification, national and international seed companies, provincial seed councils, and national and international seed companies.
Dr. Muhammad Yousuf, National Coordinator Rice of PARC, gave the committee members a thorough rundown of the 51 proposals for rice hybrids/varieties. The VEC recommended 14 high-yielding rice hybrids from private seed companies for cultivation in Pakistan after extensive deliberations and careful consideration.
Four fine rice varieties were also introduced by the National Institute of Genomics and Biotechnology (NIGAB) of PARC, which showed a markedly higher grain yield than the currently cultivated varieties. In order to increase farmers’ productivity and profitability, the VEC also approved these fine rice varieties for cultivation in Pakistan.
The VEC also recommended growing Sona Super Basmati, a long-grain variety with a 9.5 mm diameter, and Vital Super Basmati, a variety created by RRI, Kala Shah Kaku. The high levels of zinc and iron enrichment in Vital Super Basmati are noteworthy.
Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of PARC, expressed his confidence in the beneficial effects that the introduction of these high-yielding rice varieties would have on rice productivity and the profitability of farmers all over the country during a meeting with rice scientists.
Dr. Waseem ul Hassan, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Food Security and Research, praised the work of Pakistani rice scientists for their success in bringing the biofortified Basmati rice variety and four high-yielding fine rice varieties to market.
Additionally, representatives from seed companies applauded PARC for creating an open testing process for assessing rice hybrids and varieties, recognising the benefits it will subsequently bring to farmers and the Pakistani rice industry.