Arooj Zulfiqar

Amid Pakistan's escalating climate-induced crop challenges, the emergence of hybrid rice varieties stands as a beacon of hope, promising resilience and sustainability in the face of environmental adversity, reports WealthPK. In recent years, Pakistan has experienced extreme heat conditions during the Kharif season, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius in some regions. This has had a detrimental impact on crop yield and quality, particularly on the rice crop, which has seen one-third reduction in yield, especially in Sindh. “Rice stands as the second most crucial crop in Pakistan, pivotal not just for domestic consumption but also for international trade, contributing substantially to the country's foreign exchange earnings. Yet, traditional rice varieties have struggled to withstand the extreme heat and environmental pressures,” an expert from the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department, confided to WealthPK. “Rising temperatures, frequent floods, and droughts have posed serious threats to crop yields and quality.

As a result, there is an urgent need to develop new rice varieties that can withstand the stress caused by excessive heat and drought. Therefore, amidst these challenges, a ray of hope shines through the development and adoption of hybrid rice varieties tailored to Pakistan's unique climate,” he said. He said, “As a result of years of hard work and research, we have succeeded in developing a hybrid rice variety that is able to tolerate heat above 50 degrees Celsius and produces over 120 maunds of rice per acre.” He said, “In 2018, a new variety of crop was developed through the collaboration of Chinese and Pakistani researchers. This new variety has shown promising results post-harvest, demonstrating a yield increase of 12.5% compared to the previous variety. “The significance of this hybrid rice variety extends beyond mere resilience. Its attributes make it ideal for cultivation not just in Pakistan but also in other countries facing similar climate challenges, particularly those along the Belt and Road.

This opens doors for potential collaborations and knowledge-sharing, contributing to regional food security and sustainability efforts. “The economic impact of adopting such hybrid rice varieties cannot be overstated. With increased yields, improved quality, and reduced vulnerability to climate-induced shocks, the farmers stand to benefit significantly,” said M Abid, Senior Scientific Officer (SSO) at the National Agricultural Research Council (NARC). “Moreover, the short stalk characteristic of this variety not only aids in withstanding high winds but also makes it a valuable fodder resource for livestock, further enhancing its agricultural utility. This strategic shift towards climate-resilient agriculture not only bolsters food security but also positions Pakistan favorably in the global agricultural markets.” Abid further said, “It is imperative for the policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to collaborate effectively for promoting and scaling up the adoption of these hybrid rice varieties, driving sustainable agricultural growth and contributing to broader socio-economic development goals.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk