Faisalabad, Punjab | 13 October 2026
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, has strengthened national wheat research capabilities by inaugurating a dedicated laboratory and working area at the Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, and distributing laboratory equipment and farm machinery to agricultural research partners across Pakistan.
Marking six decades of collaboration between CIMMYT and Pakistan, the initiative aims to enhance wheat breeding programmes, improve seed processing, strengthen field-trial data collection, and accelerate the development of climate-resilient and nutrient-enriched wheat varieties.
The support includes three seed cleaner-cum-graders, 10 zero-tillage seed-cum-fertilizer drills, experimental threshing equipment for 11 research institutes, and upgraded laboratory facilities at five partner institutions across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.
The laboratory equipment includes digital weighing scales, seed counters, pH meters, vertical deep freezers, spectrophotometers and canopy temperature meters to improve research, sample analysis and field assessment.
Dr Javed Ahmad, Chief Scientist/Director of the Wheat Research Institute, AARI, emphasized the importance of strong research institutions and scientific capacity in addressing challenges faced by wheat farmers and safeguarding Pakistan’s food security.
Dr Flavio Breseghello, Director of CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program, highlighted that reliable field trials and improved handling of breeding materials are essential for developing productive, climate-resilient wheat varieties.
Dr Sajid Ali, CIMMYT Country Representative for Pakistan, reiterated the organization’s commitment to helping national partners translate scientific research into practical solutions for farmers through improved facilities, equipment, training and climate-resilient agricultural innovations.
Zero-tillage technology can help conserve soil moisture, reduce fuel and labour costs, and support timely sowing in rice–wheat cropping systems while eliminating the need to burn rice residues. Seed-processing equipment will also support the production of high-quality foundation seeds, including nutrient-enriched wheat varieties that can help address malnutrition.
Since beginning its collaboration with Pakistan in the 1960s, CIMMYT has contributed to agricultural research, germplasm exchange, scientific training and crop improvement efforts associated with the Green Revolution. Today, its work with 29 national partners reaches 88 districts across the country.
This initiative reinforces the shared commitment of CIMMYT and Pakistan to advancing agricultural innovation, strengthening research institutions and improving food and nutritional security for Pakistan’s approximately 250 million people.
About CIMMYT
CIMMYT is a non-profit international agricultural research organization dedicated to improving the productivity, quality and resilience of maize, wheat and other cereal-based farming systems, particularly in the Global South, through scientific research and strong partnerships.
