Business

US, Pakistani scientists collaborate to increase wheat yields

Multiple projects already underway in the country.

March 19, 2013

USDA through its Wheat Productivity Enhancement Project (WPEP), currently helps evaluate 60 wheat varieties planted in 115 wheat trials throughout Pakistan. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: American scientists and Pakistani wheat experts are collaborating to increase Pakistan’s wheat harvest and ensure greater prosperity to farmers nationwide. A bi-national team of scientists, sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to evaluate wheat varieties for disease-resistance, Radio Pakistan reported. In order to determine which wheat varieties will perform best in Pakistan’s unique ecosystem, US and Pakistani researchers studied the effects of heat and other types of environmental stress on the different varieties of wheat that can be planted in Pakistan.

The USDA through its Wheat Productivity Enhancement Project (WPEP), currently helps evaluate 60 wheat varieties planted in 115 wheat trials throughout Pakistan. In order to increase the quality of this joint research, last week USDA also provided Pakistani research institutions specialised wheat planting and harvesting equipment. The new machines, which replaced equipment over 25 years old, will allow scientists to study more wheat varieties each year and more rapidly improve Pakistani farmers’ harvest yields. “Wheat is critical to the food security of both Pakistan and the United States,” said USDA Plant Health Adviser Ian Winborne after a ceremony at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) celebrating the handover of the new equipment. Winborne further added “Lasting links between Pakistani and US scientists can help improve and protect agricultural harvests in both our countries.”

WPEP facilitates scientific collaboration between USDA, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and Pakistan’s national wheat programs. WPEP funds scientific exchanges to develop, introduce, and test disease-resistant wheat varieties, improve agronomic practices, and upgrade research capacity in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2013.Like Business on Facebook to stay informed and join in the conversation.

COMMENTS (2)

Haris | 11 years ago | Reply

We have a higher per acar yield than US . We don't need US to try to destroy our high yielding and great quality wheat varieties. Only problem is fertilizer and water cost that is discouraging farmer to go for a proper yield . Give us international value on wheat and we will show US what yield really is .

Water Cost = Rs 4000 Herbicides = Rs 2000 Fertilizers = Rs 15000 6 Month Land Rent = Rs 15000 Opportunity Cost =Rs 20000 Labour and Harvest = Rs 5000 Land Preparation = Rs 2000

Now even with an excellent yield of 2800 KG per (Pakistani) acar wheat is no longer a profitable crop. Government purchase rate will be 1200 Rs per 40 Kg this year.

Do not compare acar to US hectare as acar is smaller.

Bhatti Saab | 11 years ago | Reply

Very good initiative. Such economic cooperation is vital for a true friendship. Glad to see US helping Pakistan in Agricultural sector, as US is the Goldmine of successful Agricultural practices. Only 1 - 2 % of US population lives in rural areas of US and produce enough wheat and crops for not only US but for exports around the world.

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