Lahore / By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: Punjab University has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Wuhan University, China, for development of hybrid rice research centre in Faculty of Agricultural Sciences’ Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics.

The agreement aims to improve and develop new climate-resilient hybrid rice varieties, marking a milestone in Pak–China scientific collaboration. From Pakistan, the initiative was led by PU VC Prof Dr M Ali alongside Dean Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Prof DrTehminaAnjum, Project Director and Chairman Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics Prof Dr M Ashfaq, Research Scientist Prof Dr M Ali Klasra and Director, External Linkages ProfDrYaamina Salman.

On the Chinese side, the collaboration was made possible through President of Wuhan University Prof Yuan Yufeng, Project director Prof Renshan Zhu, Scientist Prof Dr. Xianting Wu and Mr Xu. The aim of joint hybrid rice research center is to enhance productivity and resilience hybrid rice, student and faculty exchange and advance technology exchange in rice crop. By embedding technology transfer under CPEC and Belt and Road.

This initiative directly addresses hunger through resilient crop development, strengthens health and nutrition outcomes, expands educational opportunities and supports sustainable water and energy practices in agriculture.

PU VC Prof Dr M Ali hailed the collaboration as a “revolution” for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, noting its potential to boost food security and nutrition. He emphasised that universities must play a fundamental role in contributing to national, industrial, and economic development.

Published Date: August 1, 2026