HYDERABAD: Experts from academic, agricultural, and research institutions in Sindh highlighted that climate change has led to new crop diseases and pest outbreaks.
Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and increasing pest attacks have severely affected agricultural yields. They emphasized the need to tackle challenges from population growth and climate change while urging research institutions to promote modern scientific research.
A two-day National Training Workshop on “Wheat Varietal Development Through Conventional Techniques” was held at the Seed Production and Development Center, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inaugural session in the Senate Hall, SAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate change, leading to reduced crop productivity.
He stressed the importance of climate-resilient and sustainable wheat production for food security. “Wheat is not only Pakistan’s staple crop but also a pillar of national food security and economic stability,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor called for developing high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient wheat varieties. While biotechnology and genetic engineering have advanced, conventional breeding techniques remain essential.
Director General of Agriculture Research Sindh, Mazharuddin Khero, stressed the need to include climate risk assessments in agricultural research.
He urged researchers to adopt modern technologies to combat climate threats. “This workshop is designed to equip farmers, seed industry professionals, and students with cutting-edge research and technical expertise to combat climate challenges,” he stated.
Dr. Mujahid Hussain Laghari, Chairman of the High-Power Farms Committee at SAU, said the university is researching early-maturing wheat and cotton varieties to produce high-yield, superior-quality crops suited to changing climate conditions.
During the session, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Soomro, Chairman SPDC, and Dr. Tanveer Fatah Abro shared their latest findings on wheat research trials at SAU’s experimental farms.
Research Officer Abdul Latif Laghari outlined the workshop’s objectives, while Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar moderated the session.
