ISLAMABAD: Scientists at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) have developed long-grain rice varieties using the latest technique of genome-based breeding by design. The yield potential of selected rice varieties, named as Green Super Rice, ranges from 80 to 120 maunds per acre.

The achievement of the scientists of the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB) was made possible with the cooperation of international scientists and Chinese partners.

Dr Ghulam Mohammad Ali, a scientist in genomics and biotechnology, said there were good chances of capturing the export market with the extra-long grain of newly developed rice varieties.

Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhr Imam visited Green Super Rice fields at NARC and lauded efforts of the scientists for developing these rice varieties. At the same time, he advised the scientists to adopt similar advance biotechnology tools as genomics strategy for rapid yield enhancement of other crops, such as wheat, sugarcane, oil crops, and horticultural crops and also to improve local animal breeds through the genomics-based research.

Mr Imam visited the genomics institute’s laboratories to see the research work being done and available facilities which are comparable to any international genomics institute.

Speaking to scientists, the minister emphasised the need for adopting modern breeding techniques for increasing yield per acre of Pakistani varieties.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2020