By Rija Sohaib 

In a groundbreaking agricultural achievement, Punjab University, in collaboration with China’s Wuhan University, has successfully developed a new hybrid rice seed.

According to Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Chairman of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Punjab University, this newly developed variety can triple rice production, boosting yields to around 140 maunds per acre.

Dr. Ashfaq explained that this is the first Hang Lian-type hybrid rice to be developed in Pakistan. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council has already approved the variety after successful trials conducted in various cities across all four provinces.

He further added that the hybrid rice variety is resistant to bacterial diseases, extreme heat, and harmful pests, making it more sustainable and suitable for local farming conditions.

Published Date: August 3, 2025