ISLAMABAD: Rice Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) has recommended eight high-yielding rice hybrids for cultivation in Pakistan to enhance the productivity by up to 25pc.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between the VEC and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in Islamabad.

PARC ChairmanDr Ghulam Mohammad Ali appreciated the role of private and public sector for taking interest in research and development of rice in the country.

He emphasised the importance of quality seed for enhancing the productivity and profitability of farmers and appreciated the role of research institutes and seed companies for making quality seeds availabile to rice farmers in Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Yousuf, National Coordinator (Rice) of PARC, presented the committee members with an overview of 38 proposals for rice hybrids and varieties.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Federal Seed Certification, national and multinational seed companies as well as rice scientists from provincial and federal research institutes.

After extensive discussions, the VEC recommended eight high-yielding rice hybrids of private seed companies for cultivation in Pakistan.

National Institute of Genomics and Biotechnology (NIGAB) of PARC presented four high-yielding fine rice varieties having 23-24pc higher yield than the existing varieties, which were also endorsed by the VEC for cultivation in Pakistan.

Furthermore, during the meeting, the VEC also recommended cultivation of a long-grain (9 mm) Sandal Bar Basmati developed by Soil Salinity Research Institute Pindi Bhattian and two coarse rice varieties one each from Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku and Rice Program, NARC, Islamabad. The introduction of these varieties and hybrids is expected to enhance farmers’ productivity and profitability.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2024