‘Increase in wheat per acre yield must to meet needs of population’

FAISALABAD: Dr Hakan Ozkan of the Cukurova University, Turkey, visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and met scientists from the Wheat Group of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Department, UAF.

Dr Muhammad Kashif, Dr Rizwana Maqbool, Dr Aamir Shakeel, Dr Raheela Rehman, Dr Amara and others attended the meeting and discussed varieties of wheat and solutions to the problems faced by this crop. Dr Hakan Ozkan said that in his wheat breeding programme, they were employing traditional and modern methods, including molecular DNA markers and speed breeding, in collaboration with the private seed companies. It was discussed that it was imperative to ensure an increase in the per acre yield of wheat so that the needs of the growing population could be met in an efficient manner.

It is worth mentioning here that the Punjab Seed Council has approved a new wheat line “Chenab Pasta 24” developed by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali that was a hallmark achievement. Moreover, the UAF in collaboration with Washington State University is developing climate resilient lines of wheat that will increase the production. In addition, hybrid wheat lines are being developed for the first time in Pakistan in collaboration with the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, the University of Agriculture Multan and Australia.

FUNLAND SEALED AS GIRL FALLS TO DEATH FROM SWING: The Civil Lines police have registered a case against the operator and contractor of a ride at Funland Amusement Park under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code following the tragic death of a girl.

The district administration has also sealed the Funland, while the suspects named in the FIR have yet to be arrested. According to the FIR filed with the police, Ghulam Mustafa, a resident of Doctor City, visited the Funland with his family on the night of Saturday, April 26. His 12-year-old daughter, Hamna, boarded a ride that was allegedly started without proper safety measures by the operator.