Pakistan grows “iron” and “zinc” wheat for the nation’s health

At the end of August, Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, met with Dr. Sajid Ali, representative of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Pakistan, to review ongoing cooperation and explore innovative strategies to boost wheat yields and strengthen food and nutritional security in the country, CIMMYT reported.

The minister paid tribute to the historic role of Dr. Norman Borlaug and Pakistani scientists in leading the Green Revolution of the 1960s. He recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to benefit from improved semi-dwarf wheat germplasm developed at CIMMYT’s Mexico center, which helped overcome food shortages and laid the foundation for long-term food security. Pakistan recognized Dr. Borlaug’s contribution by awarding him the “Sitara-i-Imtiaz” (Star of Excellence) in 1968, two years before he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Sajid highlighted CIMMYT’s decades-long contribution to Pakistani agriculture, noting that in just the past decade (2015–2025), around 70 improved wheat varieties were developed in the country, 90% of them based on advanced CIMMYT germplasm. Today, nearly 90% of the wheat grown on 9 million hectares in Pakistan—feeding over 250 million people—originates from CIMMYT innovations. These varieties combine high yield potential, disease resistance, improved grain quality, and biofortification with essential micronutrients such as zinc and iron.

He also informed the minister about the upcoming visit of CIMMYT Director General Dr. Bram Govaerts on September 14–16, 2025, during which he will hold meetings with the Ministry of Agriculture, national institutions, and international partners.

The minister emphasized that boosting wheat productivity is vital for the overall growth of Pakistan’s agriculture, as wheat is the country’s main crop and the backbone of its food system. He added that adopting advanced varieties and innovative practices would not only raise yields and farmers’ incomes but also reduce dependence on imports.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s strong support for CIMMYT’s efforts in Pakistan, calling the partnership crucial for achieving food self-sufficiency and better nutrition for the nation.

Tags: Pakistan, wheat