Punjab’s Record Wheat Harvest Turns Import-to-Export Vision Into Reality: AARI Chief Scientist
FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Sep, 2026) Chief Scientist Wheat at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad, Dr Javed Ahmad said that Pakistan’s vision of transforming wheat from an import-dependent commodity into an exportable surplus had received a major boost as Punjab achieved a record production of more than 29.61 million tonnes last year. This accomplishment contributed significantly to strengthening food security and creating opportunities for earning substantial foreign exchange through wheat exports.
Addressing a meeting convened to approve the Wheat Production Plan 2026-27, Dr Ahmad noted that this achievement was made possible through concerted efforts from agricultural scientists, field officers, and farmers who collaborated to enhance crop productivity and promote modern farming practices.
He highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the need to boost per-acre yield while simultaneously reducing production costs. He assured that agricultural scientists and extension officers were dedicated to providing farmers with practical training, technical guidance, and modern production recommendations.
Key factors for increasing wheat yield and improving farm incomes, according to Dr Ahmad, include:
- Certified and quality seed: Adoption of modern production technology.
- Modern production technology: Farmers have access to scientific knowledge and improved technologies capable of helping them adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Dr Ahmad further emphasized the role of scientists at AARI Faisalabad, Arid Zone Research Institute Bhakkar, and Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal who developed high-yielding wheat varieties like Akbar-19, Fakhar Bhakkar, Bhakkar Star, Nisan, Nawab, Ujala-16, Dilkash-2021, Subhani-2021, and Urooj-2022. These varieties are resistant to diseases and can significantly improve wheat productivity when cultivated according to recommended agronomic practices and suitable agro-climatic conditions.
Director Coordination & Farm Training Lahore, Dr Muhammad Tariq, highlighted the government’s program providing modern agricultural machinery to farmers on subsidized rates. This initiative has contributed substantially to increasing wheat productivity, with notable improvements seen during the previous season. He also noted that financial assistance and technical guidance for small farmers had enhanced productivity and paved the way for a sustainable future in wheat cultivation.