Climate-Resilient Hybrid Vegetables
APP
Faisalabad: Pakistan’s agricultural sector must prioritize climate-resilient hybrid vegetables to ensure food security, enhance exports, and adapt to changing climatic conditions, emphasized Dr. Abid Mehmood, Chairman of the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB).
Speaking at a seminar at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), he urged scientists to accelerate research on hybrid vegetable varieties, particularly chilies, to improve productivity and global market competitiveness.
Dr. Mehmood lauded the contributions of AARI scientists in developing 82 high-yield vegetable varieties that play a vital role in meeting the food demands of a growing population. However, he stressed the necessity of incorporating advanced breeding techniques, optimizing fertilizer use, and integrating essential micronutrients like Zinc, Sulfur, Boron, Magnesium, and Iron to enhance crop quality and resilience.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Principal Scientist at AARI’s Vegetable Department, highlighted the institute’s success in introducing high-yielding varieties of tomatoes, onions, peas, chilies, melons, cucumbers, carrots, and leafy greens. These innovations aim to increase per-acre yield while ensuring adaptability to climate fluctuations.
The seminar also underscored the economic potential of hybrid vegetables, particularly chilies, in international markets. Representatives from the private seed sector, including Dr. Muhammad Ikram and Sarfraz Ahmad Khan, emphasized that Pakistani chilies have significant export potential, especially in China.
They called for stronger public-private partnerships to equip farmers with advanced agricultural techniques, ensuring a competitive edge in global trade.
Chilies and other vegetables are rich in essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, Thiamine, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Manganese, contributing to better human health and immunity. Senior Vegetable Scientist Muhammad Amin elaborated on advanced chili production methods, explaining that nurseries are sown in October and November, transplanted in December and January, and harvested from April to October.
AARI Vegetable Scientist Wajiha Lodhi announced the development of three synthetic lines of green chilies and bell peppers, alongside two hybrid chili lines nearing final approval. She and other experts stressed the importance of timely sowing and selecting farmland with optimal sunlight exposure to maximize yield.
Agriculture experts at the seminar explored innovative solutions to mitigate climate change challenges, improve vegetable yields, and ensure sustainable farming practices.
They emphasized that these research-driven advancements would empower farmers, boost national agricultural output, and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global vegetable market.
The event was attended by prominent agricultural scientists, including Chief Scientist of Agricultural Research Punjab Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman, Chief Scientist Wheat Department AARI Dr. Javed Ahmad, Deputy Director Agricultural Information Dr. Qavi Irshad, and other key stakeholders committed to advancing Pakistan’s agricultural sustainability and economic growth.
