ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: The variety evaluation committee of National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) has approved for release of six new varieties of high-yielding wheat seed.

According to a Pakistan Agricultural Research Council press release, the new wheat varieties developed by Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) Bhakkar, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture Tandojam, Agriculture Research Station, Sarai Naurang, Wheat Programme NARC Islamabad, Cereal Research Crop Institute, Pirsabak and Agriculture Institute Sariab Quetta respectively include Bhakkar 2001, Marvi 2000, Marvat J-01, Wafaq 2001, Saleem 2000, Zariashta 1999.

The varieties approved for release were claimed to be high-yielding, disease resistant with superior quality traits and tolerance against various abiotic stresses prevalent in the area.

The committee discussed in details different new proposals for release in various agro ecological zones of the country. The officials claimed release of new varieties will enhance wheat production in the country apart from maintaining its genetic diversity.

These varieties had been developed through the coordinated efforts of the national scientists from all over Pakistan.

The meeting was participated by over 100 agricultural scientists including breeders, pathologists, agronomists and seed experts from various federal and provincial institutes.