The Exchange Visit and Hands-On Training on Wheat Development Practices in Pakistan represents a pivotal opportunity for OIC breeders and agronomists. Pakistan, as a significant wheat-producing nation, boasts an array of cutting-edge technologies and best practices in wheat variety development including hybrids, field trials, agronomic strategies, and extension services.
Exchange visit will allow wheat breeders/agronomists to visit Research stations in various agroecological zones of Faisalabad and Multan cities.
It will encompass the following training/activities on Hybrid Wheat Breeding, such as:
- Practical sessions which will allow participants to observe firsthand how hybrid wheat responds in different environmental conditions. This is crucial for understanding how these varieties perform under varying climatic and soil conditions, which is essential for effective breeding and cultivation.
- Sessions focused on commercial-scale hybrid wheat seed production provide insights into the practical aspects of scaling up production. This includes learning about the challenges and best practices in large-scale cultivation, which is critical for understanding the economic and operational aspects of wheat farming.
- Visits to different farms expose participants to a range of farming practices and technologies used in various agro-ecological zones. This exposure is invaluable for understanding the diversity of agricultural methods and how they can be adapted to different environmental contexts.
- Practical sessions on specific techniques like sowing geometry, which are critical for optimizing yields. Seeing these practices implemented in different agroecological settings allows participants to understand how they can be adjusted according to local conditions.
- Interactions with local farmers and experts provide insights into the unique challenges faced in different regions and the innovative solutions that have been developed to
address them. This knowledge is vital for agronomists and breeders in developing regionspecific strategies for wheat development.
- Networking with local farmers, as well as national and international experts in the field. This exchange of ideas and experiences is a key component of the learning process and can lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
- Discussions and feedback on ongoing research and development in the field of hybrid wheat production;
- Discussions on the hybrid wheat project among countries. Overall, the visit to different agroecological zones as part of the exchange program is designed to provide a comprehensive and practical learning experience for breeders and agronomists, enriching their understanding and skills in wheat development tailored to diverse environmental conditions.
Trainers are from:
- National Agricultural Research Centre , Pakistan Agricultural Research Council;
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of
Agriculture;
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University Agriculture
Faisalabad;
- Plant Breeding and Production, The University of Sydney;
- Plant Breeding Institute, Narrabri, The University of Sydney;
- KWS Group;
- Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad.
Brief agenda of Hands-on training:
1. Practical knowledge and insights on hybrid wheat production systems;
2. The practical sessions on characterization hybridity trials;
3. The response of hybrid wheat in various agroecological environments;
4. Commercial-scale hybrid wheat seed production in different agroecological zones
5. Mechanization of agriculture;
6. Sowing geometry and its impact on the production of hybrid wheat;
7. Hybrid seed production and evaluation;
8. Color sorting for male and female sowing and female seeds production;
V. DATE AND VENUE.
The visit of the breeders/agronomists will take place on 19-22 February 2023, in Faisalabad/Multan, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
