PARC-AZRC, D.I. Khan developed a new high yielding wheat variety

Islamabad, April 30, 2020 (PPI-OT): PARC has different research Centre under diversified ecological zones to conduct site-specific research on various field crops. Fruits, vegetables etc. Arid Zone Research Centre Dera Ismail Khan is one of the Centers working under PARC. Most recently AZRC, D.I. Khan has developed a new high yielding, disease and drought tolerant wheat variety “AZRC-DERA” This variety was approved in 39th Meeting of Provincial Seed Council held on 23rd April, 2020 under the chairman ship of Minister for Agricultural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Newly released wheat variety AZRC- DERA has quite high yield potential with resistance against yellow and leaf rust diseases. It is highly suitable for rainfed conditions with additional potential character of heat and drought tolerance. Its yield potential is higher than 80 monds in irrigated and 35 monds in rainfed conditions.

The Breeder of this variety Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob claims that the variety will be a breakthrough in wheat production in country. Since the variety was recommended by the Crop Expert Committee KP in Nov 2019, thus AZRC-DERA has been planted on more than 250 acres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by the farmers and seed companies. The Director AZRC, Dr. Nouman Latif informed that the seed of AZRC- DERA variety has been multiplied at AZRC Farm, DI Khan and will be available for growers in next planting season. The seed companies have shown greater interest in new wheat variety and purchasing seed from farmers who planted AZRC DERA at their farms.

Mr. Muhammad Umair, Dy. Commissioner, Dera Ismail Khan inaugurated the first ever harvesting of this new high yielding wheat variety on his visit at PARC-AZRC, D. I. Khan. While talking on the occasion, the Dy. Commissioner Dera applauded that efforts of the Scientists of D. I. Khan. What variety “AZRC-Dera” is available for farmers at Wanda Baloch Dera, D.I. Khan. Dr. Attiq-ur-Rehman Rattu, National Coordinator Wheat, PARC is also of the view that newly released wheat variety “AZRC DERA” has high potential and it will increase per acre wheat yield.

For more information, contact:
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)
G-5, Islamabad – Pakistan
Phone: +92-51-90733053, 90733058, 9255033
Fax: +92-51-9202968
Website: http://www.parc.gov.pk