China-South Asia: They engage in wheat research in Pakistan

A wheat-growing area in Yunnann, China.

Driving into the Pakistan National Agricultural Research Center, you will pass through a sea of canola flowers before you see a test wheat field. Each section of the field has a signboard indicating the specific wheat variety grown there. Among them are new wheat varieties developed collaboratively by Chinese and Pakistani researchers.

He Zhonghu, a research fellow at the Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, listens attentively to the Pakistani researchers’ introduction while bending down to caress the wheat leaves. Observing the healthy growth of the wheat, a smile of satisfaction spread across his face.

He Zhonghu has been deeply involved in wheat breeding research for many years, gaining extensive expertise in molecular marker breeding. During a recent field interview, he shared with our reporters that the Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has been collaborating with relevant institutions in Pakistan for over a decade, training nine researchers from Pakistan.

Building upon these collaborative achievements, the Institute of Crop Science at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in partnership with Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan National Agricultural Research Center, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, has recently established the China-Pakistan Wheat Molecular Breeding International Joint Laboratory.

“We aim to leverage this new molecular breeding technology to elevate Pakistan’s wheat breeding standards, particularly enhancing disease resistance, and thereby bolstering local food security.” He said during the interview.

Awais Zahid, a jointly-trained scientific researcher under the China-Pakistan collaboration, has resided and worked in China for over a decade and currently serves as the Pakistani director of the lab. In an interview with our reporters, he emphasized Pakistan’s significant wheat consumption and highlighted the critical importance of breeding new wheat varieties that are resilient to climate change, ensuring the country’s food security.

The joint lab has recently developed two wheat varieties tailored for cultivation in northern Pakistan. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve been trialing these new wheat strains, which have shown yield increases of 8 to 10 percent compared to traditional regional varieties. We anticipate that these introductions will substantially enhance local wheat yields and farmers’ incomes.” Zahid remarked.

According to He, the newly bred varieties through collaboration do not significantly differ from local superior wheat varieties in terms of maturity. However, they feature shorter plants, addressing the issue of lodging. Moreover, using molecular marker technology, genes for anti-stripe rust and anti-leaf rust from Chinese wheat varieties have been integrated into Pakistani wheat varieties, aiming to achieve both high yield and disease resistance.

Not long ago, the lab hosted the 2nd China-Pakistan Joint Conference on Molecular Wheat Breeding at Quaid-i-Azam University. The event focused on discussing the progress of their collaborative project and identifying future research priorities. Researchers from both countries also conducted field investigations to evaluate the practical application of molecular wheat breeding technology.

Shahid Mansoor, a researcher at the University of Karachi in Pakistan, attended the conference. He told our reporters that recent joint efforts by Pakistan and China have led to significant upgrades in Pakistan’s infrastructure and power supply. Looking ahead, there is great potential for ensuring food security, and the adoption of China’s wheat breeding technology promises substantial benefits for every Pakistani.

“China has set a commendable example in alleviating poverty and enhancing living standards. The establishment of this lab presents Pakistan with a valuable opportunity to learn how technology can boost wheat yields, ensure food security, and uplift people from poverty.” Mansoor said.

Zahid informed our reporters that the laboratory is also facilitating talent exchange and training initiatives. They have scheduled a training session on molecular wheat breeding technology at Quaid-i-Azam University next month, aiming to equip nearly 50 Pakistani researchers with advanced skills in this field.

Shaukat Ali, the Chief Scientific Officer of the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology of Pakistan, stated, “Ensuring food security is essential for addressing other development challenges. Promoting agricultural development will not only strengthen Pakistan’s economy but also have a lasting positive impact on the surrounding region.”

Text by Xinhua News Agency
Translated by YNTA