ZAHID CHUGHTAI (MULTAN)
GUARD Agriculture Analysis & Providers (Pvt) Restricted added one other feather to its cap as its scientists in collaboration with their Chinese language counterparts efficiently accomplished the pilot challenge of sowing hybrid chillies within the Pakistani local weather this yr. ‘Now we have sown over 750 acres of land with the Chinese language varieties this yr throughout Pakistan together with 500 acres in Sindh and 250 acres of land in varied districts of Punjab and intend to take this quantity to 30,000 acres of land through the subsequent season 2023-24,’ stated Guard’s Analysis & Improvement Wing’s head Dr Abdul Rasheed whereas speaking to newsmen at an occasion. The challenge is being carried out beneath the China-Pakistan Financial Hall (CPEC) and an settlement between GUARD and Chinese language Firm LTEC was signed within the yr 2022. By advantage of this, the realm beneath Chinese language forms of chillies can be taken to 200,000 acres of land within the subsequent 5 to 10 years. Each corporations efficiently organized a farmer assembly centred round Chillies Contract Farming close to Multan the opposite day. The occasion, attended by greater than 400 progressive farmers from south Punjab, aimed to familiarize them with some great benefits of taking part within the challenge and showcase mannequin farms that includes varied chilli varieties. It was attended by Dr Irfan Ahmed (Government Supervisor Industrial) LTEC and GUARD’s Dr Abdul Rasheed (Chief R&D), representatives of various departments associated to agriculture and a crew of agronomists. Whereas speaking to reporters, Dr. Abdur Rasheed claimed that chillies price US $75 million can be exported beneath this challenge within the subsequent 5 years. The realm beneath hybrid chillies cultivation will enhance to 200,000 acres within the subsequent 5 to 10 years. He added that round 90 p.c of the manufacturing can be purchased by the Chinese language. Subsequent yr, Dr. Abdur Rasheed stated 5000-6000 acres of land might be sown in Punjab and the remaining might be introduced beneath cultivation in Sindh. The challenge launched broad chilli varieties, equivalent to Crimson Sky, together with 16 totally different trial varieties from LTEC. These varieties have been chosen to showcase their adaptability to the native local weather and their potential for prime yields and high quality. These varieties provide larger yields, i.e., 75 maund per acre, in comparison with 25-30 maunds given by the normal sorts and exhibit wonderful tolerance and resistance to illnesses, bugs, and environmental components. Concerning profitability, chilli crops have the next revenue ratio than standard crops. Babar Khan (Grower) appreciated the informative classes, hands-on demonstrations, and the chance to community with business professionals. Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Director of the Plant Safety Division at Nawaz Sharif College, appreciated that the hybrid varieties had double manufacturing with resistance towards illnesses. Rana Abbas Assistant Director of Horticulture (Multan) stated know-how switch beneath this challenge would assist alleviate poverty on this space. Nonetheless, he pressured the necessity to deal with managing this crop, selling the newest drying methods to enhance the standard of the chillies. Dr Abubakar from Nawaz Sharif College Multan stated that their group was additionally growing hybrid seeds for various crops. Consultant of the Vegetable Institute Multan, Muneer talking on this event, disclosed that two forms of chillies have been launched in Pakistan in 1965 and later, no work was achieved on this regard. He stated he was working to develop hybrid chilli seeds for the final 11 years and specializing in such varieties which might have acceptance within the native market.