ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):Pakistan has acquired 945 germplasm lines from China and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to strengthen its rice breeding base under major national development programmes.

A Ministry of National Food Security and Research document available with Wealth Pakistan stated that under the Productivity Enhancement of Rice Project (2019–2025), several achievements have been recorded. These include the acquisition of 945 germplasm lines from China and IRRI, the development of 14 new rice varieties, and extensive farmer outreach activities that involved more than 450 field days and training events.

In addition, 1,553 units of rice machinery have been distributed among farming communities, while 3,885 tons of certified seed have also been provided to support better yields and improved production practices.

A total of 2,493 demonstration plots have been established across the country to promote good agricultural practices, direct-seeded rice, and mechanical transplanting, helping farmers adopt more modern and efficient cultivation techniques.

The document further notes that under the Sino-Pak Agricultural Breeding Innovations Project for Rapid Yield Enhancement (2020–2025), Pakistan has established its first intelligent glasshouse and an IoT-based smart facility for speed breeding.

The initiation of genome-based speed breeding, following the establishment of a world-class Next Generation Sequencing Facility at the National Agricultural Research Centre, has enabled faster development of climate-resilient and high-yielding rice varieties.

Germplasm acquired from China, including thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines, is contributing to advancements in hybrid rice development.

The ministry’s document also provides funding details of ongoing projects. The “Productivity Enhancement of Rice” project (2020–25) is a major PSDP initiative with a total allocation of Rs15,789 million. Of this, Rs3,750 million has been allocated under PSDP, against which Rs1,432 million has so far been released, with expenditures recorded at Rs1,424 million. An amount of Rs611 million has been allocated for the Sino-Pak Breeding Innovations Project (2020–25), while the Fertilize Right Pakistan programme under the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas is being implemented with total funding of $282 million.

Published Date: November 27, 2025