Member Science Message
Nuclear Institute of Agriculture Tando Jam has so far evolved number of improved varieties of different crop plants including wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, pulses (Mungbean and Lentil) and oil seed (canola). These crop varieties of NIA are being cultivated successfully over significant area in Sindh and have significant impact on the economy of the country. The crop yields are highly affected due to diseases & pests and environmental stresses like heat, drought and salinity. Pakistan ranks among top 10 countries of the world vulnerable to climate change. It is estimated that the developing countries will suffer 70-80% losses in agriculture sector due to climate change. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop high yielding and climate resilient crop varieties that can produce sustainable yields under harsh environments. Keeping in view such climatic threats and changing environmental conditions, NIA has evolved two new wheat varieties NIA-Zerkhaiz and NIA-Shaheen released during 2020 in Sindh. NIA is also providing quality product and services to end-users viz., farming community, public seed sector, private seed companies, extension workers and various other researchers. To minimize yield losses and control insect pest, NIA has expanded its biocontrol program to all over the province. Crop production technologies for the newly released varieties are formulated to help farmers to get maximum produce from the newly developed or already existing commercial cultivars. NIA is also providing soil, water and fertilizer analyses facilities to farming community and other stakeholders. New ways and mechanisms are being studied in plants to cope with various stresses and climatic changes to improve plants performance under stress conditions. I hope the NIA will continue to work for the food security of the country and to provide its quality products and services to farming community to improve the economy and their socio-economic conditions.