PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Seeds Council (PSC) on Thursday approved 19 new varieties of seed of different crops, fruits and vegetables with key focus on facilitating farmers by enhancing production and effectively combating diseases in the wake of climate change challenges.

A statement issued here said that the approval was given during a meeting of PSC held at Tarnab Agriculture Institute with Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Mohibullah Khan in the chair.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Taimoor Saleem Khan Jhagra, MPA ArbabJahandad Khan and Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Israr Khan.

The newly approved varieties include Kornait (peach), Snata Marya and Hosi (pear), Asolpas Jaba and Jabba Enterprises (apple), Sirpo Maria Kaghan (potato), Kunhar Palsta (French bean), Pakhal Ganait (garlic), Qayyum 2018 (maize), Pashta 2018 (wheat), Qaswa 2018 (wheat tractable), Awaz 2018 (wheat), NIFA Mong 18 (mongbean), Laintal 2018 (masoor/lentil), Indus 2017 (Desi Chak P), C-S 240 (maize), C-S 5800 (maize), Zinkol 2016 (wheat) and Faisalabad 2008 (wheat).

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the new varieties were being introduced after years of research, conducted by senior scientists of different institutes of the agriculture department.

He said climate change was posing serious challenges to all sectors including agriculture and it was need of the hour to introduce new varieties in crops, vegetables and fruits.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...