Agricultural institute: Over 400 seed varieties developed

FAISALABAD: Scientists of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) have developed 402 new seed varieties of various crops which are not only disease-resistant but also give better yield. AARI Deputy Director Research Shafqat Mehmood Rao said this while giving a briefing to a delegation of Wapda Staff College Islamabad which visited the institute here on Tuesday. Rao said scientists were working hard to develop new seed varieties for different crops including fruits which would help the country meet domestic needs and export surplus produce. “Because of the scientists’ struggle, wheat, rice and cotton production has increased sharply,” he said. The delegation also visited an agricultural exhibition, organised by AARI, and interacted with renowned scientists.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2011.