February 9, 2024 – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) hosted a Webinar on February 6 and 8, 2024, titled "Consultative Webinar on the Development of Material Transfer Agreement for the Wheat Germplasm Exchange within the OIC Geography." This pivotal event marks the first step towards the establishment of a nursery distribution system aimed at enhancing the productivity, resilience, and nutritional value of wheat across the OIC member states.
The webinar convened 14 esteemed wheat breeders from diverse countries, including Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Turkiye, Libya, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. These experts shared invaluable insights into the phytosanitary practices and regulations of their respective countries. These esteemed experts highlighted the critical need for enhanced collaboration between breeders and plant genetic resources specialists. The aim is to significantly raise awareness among governmental bodies about the vital importance of germplasm exchanges for scientific and breeding advancements. Furthermore, the specialists made a compelling call to action for policymakers, urging them to provide the necessary support to facilitate these invaluable exchanges. By establishing more favorable conditions for germplasm sharing, countries can foster a collaborative environment that propels scientific discovery and innovation in wheat breeding forward.
This initiative is primarily designed to bolster research efforts, setting a foundation for a collaborative approach to tackle agricultural challenges within the OIC geography. The discussions revolved around creating a common framework for germplasm sharing, addressing legal and regulatory aspects, and developing mechanisms for sustainable and equitable exchange. This will pave the way for a series of webinars aimed at achieving the goals and outcomes.
The next phase will involve facilitating exchange visits for these experts to Pakistan, where they will participate in hands-on training sessions on wheat breeding technologies. These sessions are set to be conducted by Pakistan's leading institutions and universities in Faisalabad and Multan, scheduled from February 19 to 23, 2024.
