ISLAMABAD, April 07 (ABC): The National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) has developed a high-yielding lentil variety, NARC Lentil-24. The new variety is showing strong performance in field trials.
“The new variety will significantly boost productivity across the country. It will also enhance farm incomes and strengthen food security,” said Dr. Shahid Riaz Malik, Principal Scientific Officer and Program Leader at NARC, while talking to Wealth Pakistan.
High yield and climate resilience
He said NARC Lentil-24 offers high yield potential along with climate resilience. It also shows resistance to multiple diseases and features improved plant architecture.
As a result, farmers can use mechanised harvesting more efficiently. Moreover, the variety has wide adaptability and performs well across different agro-ecological zones and cropping systems in Pakistan.
Untapped potential in pulses sector
Dr Shahid noted that pulses cover around 1.16 million hectares. This accounts for about 5% of Pakistan’s total cropped area, while cereals dominate 56%.
He said major pulses grown in Pakistan include chickpea, lentil, mung bean, mash, and kidney beans. The country’s total cropped area stands at 22.51 million hectares.
He stressed that the pulses sector offers strong growth potential. Although farmers mostly grow pulses under rainfed conditions, this also creates opportunities for innovation and better farm management.
Wide yield gap highlights opportunity
Dr Shahid explained that a significant yield gap exists in the pulses sector. The national average yield stands at around 553 kg per hectare.
However, progressive farmers already achieve nearly 1,500 kg per hectare. In some cases, yields can reach up to 3,000 kg per hectare.
“This variation shows the vast untapped potential in the sector. It also highlights the role of improved seeds, better practices, and modern technologies in increasing productivity,” he said.
Need for modern technology and better inputs
He emphasised that expanding access to quality seeds, mechanisation, and efficient irrigation can transform the sector. In addition, stronger extension services and improved post-harvest management will help boost output.
He also highlighted the importance of advanced breeding and genetic innovation. These include climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties developed through genomics, speed breeding, and artificial intelligence.
Focus on innovation and partnerships
Dr Shahid said NARC is already making progress in this area. The organisation promotes improved crop management practices, water-use efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture.
He added that strengthening seed production and supply systems remains essential. Authorities should ensure timely availability of quality seeds while improving certification and quality control mechanisms.
He also pointed to the growing potential of value-added processing and food innovation. Pulse-based products can benefit from rising domestic and global demand, especially for plant-based protein alternatives.
Call for collaboration
He called for stronger national and international collaboration in research. He also stressed the need for effective knowledge transfer to farmers.
Such coordinated efforts will help accelerate growth in Pakistan’s pulses sector.