Karachi, In a recent development aimed at boosting the agricultural sector, the Rice Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) of Pakistan has recommended eight high-yielding rice hybrids and several varieties for cultivation in the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the productivity and profitability of farmers, with a particular focus on quality seed development.

According to Press Information Department, the VEC meeting, held at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) headquarters in Islamabad, was chaired by Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, who lauded the contributions of both the private and public sectors in rice research and development. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf, the National Coordinator for Rice at PARC, presented thirty-eight proposals for rice hybrids and varieties, which were thoroughly evaluated by the committee.

The committee endorsed eight high-yielding rice hybrids from private seed companies, alongside four fine rice varieties from the National Institute of Genomics and Biotechnology (NIGAB) of PARC, which boast a 23-24% higher yield than existing varieties. Additional recommendations included the cultivation of a long-grain Sandal Bar Basmati variety and two coarse rice varieties from the Soil Salinity Research Institute and the Rice Program at NARC, Islamabad, respectively.

The introduction of these new rice hybrids and varieties is expected to significantly contribute to increasing the productivity and profitability of the country’s farmers. Dr. Imtiaz Hussain of the Plant Sciences Division at PARC emphasized the positive impact these varieties would have on rice production in Pakistan and reiterated PARC’s commitment to supporting the evaluation and release of new rice hybrids and varieties.

Dr. Waseem ul Hassan from the Food Security Commission of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research praised the efforts of rice scientists in Pakistan for their role in developing these high-yielding varieties and hybrids, marking a step forward in the country’s agricultural advancement.