ISLAMABAD: Scientists from the United States and Pakistan have introduced and tested ‘NARC-2011’, a new variety resistant to the feared ‘UG-99’ wheat variety.

The Wheat Productivity Enhancement project (WPEP) of the US Department of Agriculture has shown its highest priority to introduce disease resistant wheat varieties to Pakistan.

The WPEP is working with Pakistani and international scientists to introduce, evaluate and release new high-yielding disease resistant wheat varieties.

The project is making progress following successful testing and release of a highly productive variety that survives even the most destructive wheat disease.

At the two-day WPEP annual wheat planning meeting started on Thursday, participants agreed that making UG 99 resistant varieties available to farmers is a critical step in ensuring protection of wheat crop.

American and Pakistani agriculture scientists expressed satisfaction over progress made by the WPEP, a USDA programme.