Research efforts for wheat improvement dates back to 1906 when Cereal Section was established at Lyallpur, which was up-graded to the status of Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad in 1975. Wheat breeding in the sub-continent started during 1907 when a botanical survey was conducted and 25 landraces were identified among three species of wheat. These landraces provided the base for wheat research in this region and a regular breeding work was started which had resulted in the release of ten improved varieties from 1911-1965.
Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad has a glorious history. The varieties released so far are playing a pivotal role for increasing wheat production of the country in general, and Punjab in particular. In 1947-48 the country’s wheat production was 2.63 million tones which have reached to the level of above 25 million tones. Resultantly the country became almost self-sufficient in wheat production. The Scientists of the institute are in a continuous struggle to break the yield barriers. Their efforts are to move from green revolution to the gene revolution. The research team of Wheat Research Institute is well aware of the fact that during 2050 we will need about 37.14 million tons of wheat to feed 334.68 million population and the country must meet these requirements for its integrity.
Mission
- To sustain food security in the country through development of high yielding, disease and climate resilient wheat, barley and durum varieties
Objectives:
The following points explore the existing set of benchmarks
a) - Development of new wheat varieties on the following lines
- High yield potential
- Disease resistance (rusts, smuts, blasts, bunts and barley yellow dwarf virus)
- Stress tolerance (drought, salt, heat, lodging and shattering)
- Insect tolerance (aphids& army worm)
- Wider adaptability under varying agro-climatic conditions
- Quality (High protein, industrial, good chapatti quality, fortification.)
b)-Sustainability to cropping system
- General purpose varieties
- Short duration varieties for cotton-wheat and rice-wheat cropping patterns
c) - Development of Advanced Wheat Production Technology
- Proper sowing time and planting method for different areas.
- Inputs application at proper time and in optimum quantity (approved varieties seed rates, fertilizer application, irrigation at critical growth stages etc.).
- Proper weed control.
- Biofortification
d)-Dissemination of research advancements
- Publications in National / International refereed journals.
- Seminars, workshops, open days, farmer days etc.
- Training of Agricultural Extension staff and farmers.
- Use of mass communication media.
- Practical training to Universities students