IAEA Training Course on Nuclear Crop Breeding Concludes at NIAB Faisalabad
Published September 04, 2026 | 08:00 PM (ISLAMABAD, APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Sep, 2026)
A two-week International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regional Training Course on "Application of Nuclear and Molecular Technologies for Enhancing Biotic and Abiotic Stress Resistance in Crop Breeding" concluded at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad.
Organized by NIAB, a constituent institution of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), in collaboration with IAEA, the course brought together 34 participants from 17 countries, including six from Pakistan, as stated in a news release.
Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi's Address
Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi, Member (Science), PAEC, served as the Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony. He emphasized PAEC’s role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development through peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
He highlighted the efforts of PAEC’s specialized institutes in agriculture and biotechnology—NIA, NIAB, NIFA, and NIBGE—to develop climate-resilient crops, promote sustainable farming practices, and support national food security. He also mentioned PAEC’s contributions to healthcare through its 21 cancer hospitals catering to 80% of the country’s cancer patients and its nuclear power plants generating approximately 3,500 MW for the national grid.
Furthering his point, Dr. Rofi noted PAEC’s commitment to advanced research and human resource development through institutions such as PIEAS, KINPOE, CHASCENT, and PINSTECH.
NIAB's Role and International Collaboration
Dr. Rofi acknowledged NIAB’s status as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for nuclear techniques in food and agriculture, underscoring its expertise and long-standing role in international cooperation within this field. He expressed gratitude to the IAEA for its continuous support and for selecting Pakistan and NIAB to host the regional training course.
He emphasized that hosting scientists from various IAEA Member States for such specialized training showcases Pakistan’s scientific institutions, laboratories, and experts' capabilities in providing advanced technical training and sharing their expertise on an international scale.
IAEA Representatives' Statements
IAEA Programme Management Officer, Ms. Lin Yang, congratulated the participants on completing the training and thanked the Government of Pakistan and PAEC for their support. She also acknowledged NIAB’s dedication as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.
She praised the participants’ contributions to the interactive and engaging course, highlighting the quality of both the trainees and their respective countries.