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Development of New Varieties
Using a combination of conventional breeding methods with mutation breeding, marker
assisted selection and genetic engineering techniques varieties of both major and
minor crops are being developed for higher yields, better quality, stress tolerance
and wider adaptability. So far,
more than 150 crop varieties have been developed by PAEC Agri & Biotech
Institutes
which are popular among the farming community of Pakistan.
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Utilization of Marginal Lands
Agriculture and biotechnology institutes of PAEC have developed technologies for
the utilization of salt affected lands and providing this technology as well as
plant material not only to the local farmers but also at international levels. Main
focus is on the utilization of saline areas with some economic gains also improving
the land with time.
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Plant Nutrition and Water Management
Scarcity of water is threatening the present as well as future productivity and
food security. Excessive use of fertilizers is affecting the soil fertility and
increasing environmental hazards. Technologies have been developed to improve irrigation
techniques that reduce water losses. Alternate cheap sources of nutrients have been
identified to efficiently manage plant nutrition and reduced application of chemical
fertilizers.
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Reduction of Losses to Pests and Pathogens
One way to increase total agriculture productivity is by reducing field and post
harvest losses to pest and pathogens. PAEC Institutes have introduced mass rearing
of beneficial predatory insects to control the insect pests of various crops. Technologies
have been developed and transferred to end users to decrease losses through integrated
management of insect pests. R&D in food irradiation technology has provided with
methods to Increase shelf life, remove contaminants and minimize storage losses
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Improved Export Potential
Exports play a vital role in the economy of a country and as our exports are mainly
(70%) based on agriculture therefore any efforts in this sector contribute directly
toward the development of Pakistan. Services are being provided for removal of contaminants
from export commodities through irradiation, identification of aflatoxins and drug
residues in food and dairy products and DNA based testing of basmati rice and genetically
modified organisms.
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Human Resource Development
Agriculture and Biotechnology Institutes also have a fair share in human resource development through
training courses, workshops and internships. On average 40 different courses are arranged every year
for hands-on training of latest techniques and technologies in various fields of agriculture research.
Based on this persistent efforts and success of PAEC for strengthening of skilled core research teams,
IAEA declared NIAB as ‘IAEA Collaborating Centre’ for Nuclear Techniques in Food & Agriculture.
These practical trainings equally benefit researchers, students and academia from various national
and international research organizations and universities. NIAB and NIBGE are also affiliated with
PIEAS for award of MPhil and PhD degrees in Biology and Biotechnology.
