Pakistan
May 3, 2018

Thirty (30) maize Hybrids, two (2) maize OPVs, one Sorghum, one millet and one oat variety have been recommended for commercial cultivation in Pakistan by the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) on Maize, Sorghum, Fodder and Other Cereals in meeting held at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Headquarter in Islamabad.

The National Coordinator (Maize, Sorghum, Fodder & other Cereals) PARC has said that a total of 41 proposals including 38 maize hybrids/OPVs, One Sorghum, one millet and one oat variety were presented by the private seed companies and public research institutions for VEC recommendation. The VEC recommended thirty (30) maize Hybrids and two (02) maize OPVs, One Sorghum, one millet and one oat variety for commercial cultivation in the country.

The meeting was presided over by Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali, Member Plant Sciences Division PARC/Chairman VEC, which was attended by technical members from NARS system and private seed companies. While presiding over the meeting Member (PSD)/Chairman VEC appreciated the role of private seed companies and public sector scientist for taking interest in research and development of maize, sorghum, millet and fodder crops. SOPs for Maize, Sorghum, Fodder & other Cereals were presented to VEC participant in VEC meeting in order to minimize the error and stream line VEC activities. SOP, Standards for different types of corn varieties, quality parameters, industrial demands, quarantine and other issues related to corn improvement and transparency in NUYT data collection and presentation were discussed in detail in the meeting.

Members of VEC also appreciated the role of private seed companies for taking interest in rice research and development and working in close collaboration with public sector.

Website: http://www.parc.gov.pk

Published: May 9, 2018