ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has said that a new wheat variety, having zinc, will be cultivated first time in the country during the Rabi crop season 2015-16.
The minister, while addressing a roundtable on ‘HarvestPlus Biofortification Programme in Pakistan’, said the Variety Evaluation Committee of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has recommended the “Zincol 2015” and submitted it to the provincial seed councils
After promoting iron fortification of wheat and salt with iodine, the wheat bio-fortification programme has been launched in the country. Under the programme, wheat, the main staple food crop has been targeted to develop a zinc-rich wheat variety. Bosan pointed out that biofortification can play a major role in tackling Pakistan’s ‘hidden hunger’.
Planning, Development and Reforms Secretary Hassan Nawaz Tarar said that the Planning Commission would continue to support all nutrition programmes to help Pakistan become food and nutrition secure.
PARC Chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmad stressed the need for using diversified nutrients to ensure a healthy society. “Pakistan is the first country that has introduced zinc-efficient wheat variety,” he added.
