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ISLAMABAD, October 16, 2026: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has called for stronger cooperation with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to increase Pakistan’s wheat productivity and strengthen food security.
The minister stressed that Pakistan should move beyond wheat self-sufficiency and develop a sustainable surplus to supply international markets and food-deficit countries.
He made these remarks during a meeting with Dr. Flavio Breseghello, director of CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program, and Dr. Sajid Ali, senior scientist and country representative for Pakistan, at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the need to increase wheat production to meet the food requirements of Pakistan’s population of around 260 million.
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Referring to the country’s recent need for wheat imports, he said Pakistan must address its productivity gap through improved seeds, stronger agricultural research and wider adoption of modern farming technologies.
The minister highlighted a target of 3.5 tonnes of wheat per hectare and called for greater engagement with private-sector partners to support national food security goals.
He also discussed the proposed five-year National Wheat Policy, which aims to improve production and provide suitable incentives for farmers. According to the minister, research partnerships and practical innovations will be essential as farmers face rising input costs and increasing climate pressures.
Acknowledging six decades of cooperation between CIMMYT and Pakistan, the minister recognised the organisation’s contribution to agricultural development, including the role of MAXIPAK wheat varieties in the country’s Green Revolution.
He said future cooperation should place greater emphasis on advanced technologies and innovative solutions to improve wheat productivity.
The minister sought CIMMYT’s support in several areas, including improved and diversified germplasm, genomic research, hybrid wheat, gene-editing technologies and advanced breeding methods.
He also stressed the importance of well-equipped research institutions and skilled scientists in developing climate-resilient, nutrient-enriched wheat varieties. Such advances, he said, must translate into practical benefits for farmers.
The minister welcomed CIMMYT’s support for upgrading national agricultural research institutions through modern laboratories, research equipment and farm machinery.
These investments are intended to improve field research, strengthen wheat breeding and seed processing, and help scientists generate reliable research data.
Briefing the minister on activities undertaken during 2026, Dr. Sajid Ali said laboratory and working facilities had been upgraded at five major wheat research institutions. These included the National Agricultural Research Centre in Islamabad, where laboratory equipment had also been provided.
Research farm machinery was supplied to 11 national research partners across the country.
In addition, 15 scientists received training in Kenya, Nepal, Ethiopia and Mexico during 2026. Training programmes were also organised within Pakistan.
To support resource-poor and vulnerable farming communities, 21 seed banks were established across 20 districts in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged districts.
CIMMYT also distributed climate-smart zero-tillage seed-cum-fertiliser drills to five partner organisations. These included the Green Pakistan Initiative and the National Rural Support Programme.
Dr. Flavio Breseghello highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and CIMMYT, emphasising the contribution of genetic improvement to sustained growth in wheat yields.
He said ongoing support aimed to strengthen breeding programmes, improve seed processing and field research, and accelerate the development of wheat varieties suited to changing climatic conditions and nutritional requirements.
Both sides also discussed the potential of hybrid wheat and opportunities to expand collaboration with Pakistani research institutions and other partners.
Rana Tanveer Hussain assured the delegation of the government’s continued support for agricultural research and innovation.
The meeting also discussed the proposed Host Country Agreement between Pakistan and CIMMYT. According to the ministry’s press release, the document had been finalised and was ready for signing.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural research, promoting climate resilience and reducing Pakistan’s wheat productivity gap.
The proposed cooperation is intended to support long-term improvements in wheat production and national food security.
[…] Rana Tanveer Calls for Stronger CIMMYT Partnership to Boost Wheat Production […]