'Super' Wheat Ensures Food-Secure Future

The agricultural bond between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in their joint commitment to food security and sustainable development. With vast agricultural landscapes and growing populations, both nations have found collaboration in agricultural science and technology essential. Central to this partnership is wheat, a staple crop that feeds billions worldwide. Dr. Javed Ahmad, a scientist renowned for his work in wheat breeding and biotechnology, has been working hard to transform Pakistan's agricultural sector and promote international cooperation.

A scientist with a mission

Ahmad, chief scientist at the Wheat Research Institute in Faisalabad, Pakistan, has dedicated over three decades to improving wheat yields and crop resilience. His research has led to the development of more than 20 high-yielding, stress-tolerant wheat and barley varieties, including the nutritionally enriched "Akbar-19," notable for its high zinc content.

For Ahmad, the mission is clear: "Our primary objectives are to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient wheat varieties using conventional breeding and advanced biotechnology techniques."

His research addresses some of the most pressing challenges in global food security, from increasing productivity to enhancing nutritional value. "By developing innovative wheat varieties, we aim to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger," he said.

Overcoming challenges with innovation

Developing 15 high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat varieties is no small feat. Ahmad and his team faced numerous challenges, from identifying suitable parental lines to accommodating diverse environmental conditions. "It required meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and collaboration with national and international partners," he said.

To tackle these challenges, Ahmad employed a combination of traditional breeding techniques and cutting-edge technologies like marker-assisted selection. Collaboration with international institutions, such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), also played a pivotal role." Access to new genetic materials and expertise from global partners has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles," he said.

The impact of his work is already evident. "With 75 percent of Pakistan's wheat varieties, including parental lines, created by our team, I foresee a significant long-term impact on the country's agricultural sector," Ahmad said. The varieties his team developed have demonstrated improved yields, disease resistance, and water use efficiency, helping farmers adapt to challenges posed by the climate change.

Joint efforts in advanced research

Ahmad is a strong advocate for international scientific collaboration, particularly in the face of global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability. "Collaboration enables the sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources," he said. "By working together, scientists from different countries can tackle complex global challenges more effectively."

One of the most significant outcomes of this collaborative spirit is the China-Pakistan Joint Wheat Molecular Breeding International Lab, launched in 2023. This lab has become a hub for cutting-edge research in wheat molecular breeding, leveraging advanced technologies and expertise from both countries. "The lab provides a platform for scientists to collaborate, share knowledge, and accelerate innovation," Ahmad said.

The lab's activities include collaborative research on molecular breeding, testing Chinese germplasm in Pakistan, and training scientists through workshops. "This partnership has enabled us to access advanced biotechnological tools and enhance our capacity for wheat breeding," Ahmad said. "It has also facilitated the transfer of technology and expertise, supporting the development of Pakistan's agricultural sector."

Creating opportunities for the younger generation

"The lab serves as a hub for training and capacity building, enabling young scientists from Pakistan to develop their skills and expertise in wheat research," Ahmad said. For young scientists aspiring to engage in cross-border research initiatives, he offers this advice: "Be open-minded, curious, and willing to learn."

This joint lab is just a small example of the agricultural sci-tech collaboration between China and Pakistan.

The collaborative environment fostered by the joint lab and other cooperative platforms accelerates innovation by encouraging exchanging ideas and resources. "It provides unique opportunities for young scientists to engage in international research collaborations and build their professional networks," Ahmad said.

As the world is confronted with crises like climate change and food insecurity, the work of scientists like Ahmad offers hope. By bridging borders and fostering innovation, they are not only feeding nations today but also sowing the seeds for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

In Ahmad's words, "By working together, we can nurture the next generation of wheat researchers and ensure the long-term sustainability of our research efforts." And in doing so, they are helping build a world where no one goes hungry.

HE Zhonghu from the Institute of Crop Sciences, CAAS / CIMMYT also contributed to this article.

Source: Science and Technology Daily