The Variety Evaluation Committee has approved six new wheat varieties for cultivation during the current sowing season of wheat crop. The new varieties are Bhakkar - 2001, Marvi -2000, Marvat J-01, Wafaq - 2001, Saleem - 2000 and Zarlashta - 1999. According to official sources the varieties have been developed by the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar; the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture, Tandojam; the Agri Research Station, Sarai Naurang; the Wheat Programme NARC, Islamabad; the Cereal Research Crop Institute, Pirsabak; and the Agri Research Institute Sariab Quetta, respectively.

Sources said that these varieties approved for the release are high-yielding, disease-resistant with superior quality traits, and tolerance against various abiotic stresses prevalent in the area.

The agriculture experts have deliberated upon different new proposals for the release in various agro-ecological zones of the country, said the sources.

The release of these varieties will enhance prospects of wheat production in the country apart from maintaining its genetic diversity, they added.

Sources said that these varieties have been developed through the co-ordinated efforts of the national scientists from all over Pakistan.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005