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Foreign Ministry plans new app for attestation of documents

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Foreign Ministry plans new app for attestation of documents

ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is planning to launch a new mobile application for general attestation of documents.

A document available with Wealth Pakistan reveals that this initiative is part of MoFA’s broader efforts to modernize and digitize its processes, making services more accessible and streamlined for the public. The app is being designed to minimize human interaction while offering real-time tracking of documents attestation process.

The app will not only allow real-time tracking of applications but also enable users to interact with the ministry’s services with minimal human involvement. This will significantly reduce the need for physical visits to the ministry’s premises and ease the application process, ensuring a more user-friendly experience.

This step is part of a larger vision to integrate various government agencies and databases, including those of the Higher Education Commission, the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen, the National Database and Registration Authority, and provincial databases, into a seamless and efficient system.

Additionally, the MoFA is planning to build a new Consular Hall within its premises to further accommodate the growing demand for services.

The ministry is also working towards a one-stop solution for complete digitization through partnerships with reputable service providers, ensuring that the public can access all necessary services in one place.

The digitization of the General Attestation process will follow the successful example of the Apostille Attestation, modernizing the attestation process for documents and making it more accessible online.

Another key aspect of the new digital push includes integrating services with Aasaan Khidmat Centers, facilitating the provision of government services at the local level and improving access for citizens across the country.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amna Baloch said that this transformation aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and user-centric foreign ministry, setting the stage for a future where public services are increasingly available at the touch of a button.

Shift to industrial potato varieties can double Pakistan’s export earnings

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Shift to industrial potato varieties can double Pakistan’s export earnings

ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Pakistan can significantly expand its potato export earnings—potentially doubling them—by shifting toward industrial potato varieties and strengthening value-added processing, a leading horticulture expert said.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Shoaib Ahmad Basra, member of the Board of Directors of the Pakistan Horticulture Export and Development Company (PHDEC) and former president of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce, said the country’s potato sector is entering a phase of strong opportunity, driven by rising global demand and improving domestic capacity.

“Potato is already Pakistan’s largest vegetable export in terms of volume and value,” Basra said. “By complementing our success in table potatoes with industrial varieties, we can unlock access to high-value markets for chips, frozen fries and other processed products.”

He noted that exports typically gather pace from December onward as fresh produce and cold-stored stocks reach the market. In recent years, higher production levels have created ample availability, positioning Pakistan well to meet both fresh and processed demand.

“Our production growth is a strength,” he said. “With the right processing strategy, surplus output can be converted into higher returns instead of being sold into low-value markets.”

Basra said changing global conditions have further strengthened Pakistan’s prospects. Climate-related disruptions in major potato-producing regions, including parts of Russia and Central Asia, have tightened international supply and pushed prices higher, creating space for new exporters.

“This has translated into improved farm incomes,” he said. “Strong prices have encouraged farmers to expand potato cultivation, while exporters are seeing better margins.”

Pakistan’s competitiveness has also improved through the use of high-quality seed varieties, largely sourced from the Netherlands. “These varieties match international standards and are widely accepted in global markets,” Basra said, adding that demand for such potatoes remains robust.

While welcoming these gains, he said the next phase of growth lies in value addition. “Currently, only a small share of our potato crop is processed, and value-added exports remain modest compared to our production potential,” he said. “This represents a major opportunity rather than a limitation.”

Basra explained that industrial potato varieties are specifically designed for processing, with characteristics such as low sugar content and suitable texture that ensure consistent quality for fries and chips. “Once these varieties are grown at scale, investment in processing will naturally accelerate,” he said.

He stressed that diversification into processing would help stabilise prices and reduce market volatility. “A balanced mix of fresh and processed exports allows the sector to grow sustainably and shields farmers from sharp price swings,” he added.

Pakistan’s current export destinations are concentrated in the Middle East and nearby regions, but Basra said higher-value markets—including Europe, North America, East Asia and Australia—offer substantial untapped potential, particularly for processed products.

Looking ahead, Basra called for coordinated action by all stakeholders to promote good agricultural practices, strengthen seed quality oversight and encourage investment in industrial potato production. “If we adopt modern practices and the right varieties, we can easily double exports of our existing potatoes,” he said. “With industrial potatoes and value addition, the upside is even greater.”

Summing up, he said Pakistan has a clear and positive pathway to transform its potato sector. “By embracing industrial varieties and processing, we can secure higher earnings, stable growth and a sustainable future for farmers and exporters alike.”

Pakistan develops five advanced ginger breeding lines

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Pakistan develops five advanced ginger breeding lines

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Pakistan has developed five advanced ginger breeding lines as part of sustained research efforts aimed at establishing domestic ginger cultivation after decades of unsuccessful trials and complete reliance on imports.

Dr Muhammad Iqbal, Principal Scientist and Director at the Vegetable Research Institute of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, told Wealth Pakistan that the newly developed breeding lines are currently under multi-locational trials and have shown encouraging results at several sites. He said the progress marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s long journey toward local ginger production.

“Until a few years ago, ginger was not grown in Pakistan. It was 100 percent imported,” Dr Iqbal said, adding that the current achievements are the result of long-term persistence and sustained research. “Now we can confidently say that we can grow ginger.”

According to him, years of experimentation have helped scientists identify the Potohar region as particularly suitable for ginger cultivation. Successful trials were conducted at Dawri Farms in Rawat and Nishtar Farms in Chak Shahzad, where recent harvests produced strong yields. “Our crop this year is almost equivalent to that of Thailand,” he said, adding that yields recorded at Dawri Farms were “much higher than India.”

Although Pakistan currently ranks low among global ginger-producing countries, Dr Iqbal said yield performance at select local sites demonstrates significant untapped potential. He noted that with the development of more suitable sites, Pakistan could achieve self-sufficiency and eventually move toward exports.

The path to this stage has been long and challenging. “It was not that our institute did not try. We kept trying, but there was no success,” he recalled.

A major breakthrough came after renewed research initiatives launched from 2017 onward. These included extensive trials under shade structures in Narowal, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, which helped scientists identify gaps in production technology and refine cultivation practices. “These locations and everything that is happening now are based on that research,” Dr Iqbal said.

Alongside the five advanced breeding lines, AARI has also developed a local ginger variety, AARI Ginger-2023, suitable for general cultivation. In addition, the institute is maintaining multiple ginger genotypes sourced from China and Thailand. Dr Iqbal said the advanced breeding lines have also produced successful results in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Bara area.

To address the shortage of quality planting material, AARI has established a tissue culture laboratory to multiply disease-free ginger plants. Dr Iqbal explained that ginger rhizomes available in markets are treated for consumption and often fail to sprout. “We grow them in the lab and provide tissue culture plants for rapid multiplication,” he said, adding that large numbers of plants have already been distributed.

At present, ginger cultivation in Pakistan is limited to areas including Rawat, Chak Shahzad, Chichawatni, and Jaranwala. Last year marked the first time that locally grown ginger entered the domestic market.

Scientists are now training master trainers and disseminating ginger production technology through print and electronic media, while ginger festivals have also been organised to raise farmer awareness. “In the past, we used to think this was not possible,” Dr Iqbal said. “Now we have a success story.”

With proof of concept established, the government has launched an expansion drive in the Potohar region, offering support for tunnels, shade nets, seed availability, and drip irrigation under a cost-sharing arrangement between farmers and the state. Applications have been invited from Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Murree, and Khushab.

Under the programme, cultivation will be expanded in phases over the next three years, with selected farmers committing to grow ginger for at least a decade to ensure sustainability.

Beyond fresh consumption, researchers are also working on value addition, including pickles, dried ginger, and powdered products. Dr Iqbal said Pakistan’s ginger has shown promising quality traits, including higher gingerol content, which could translate into better taste and longer shelf life.

While ginger requires significant upfront investment and offers limited returns in the first year, he said profitability improves from the second year onward.

With durable infrastructure and minimal disease pressure observed so far, he described ginger as a high-value crop with strong long-term potential.

“The government wants to increase self-sufficiency because all this money is going out in imports,” Dr Iqbal said. “If local production starts, it will benefit both the government and the country.”

SSGC cuts unaccounted-for-gas losses by 60 per cent

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SSGC cuts unaccounted-for-gas losses by 60 per cent

ISLAMABAD, Jan 10 (APP): The Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) has achieved a major reduction in unaccounted-for-gas (UFG) through a series of structural, technical and governance reforms implemented over the past several years.

According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the company reduced UFG by 43.6 billion cubic feet, reflecting a 60% decline between FY19 and FY25. Out of these, 12 billion cubic feet were achieved in Balochistan between FY23 and FY25, indicating targeted interventions in high-loss areas.

To support these initiatives, the SSGC significantly enhanced its capital investment in gas infrastructure. Capitalization increased from Rs9 billion in FY22 to Rs17 billion in FY23, followed by further expansion to Rs24 billion in FY24 and Rs37 billion in FY25. The company has projected capitalization of Rs40 billion for FY26 and FY27.

As part of this investment drive, around 5,000 kilometers of the gas distribution network have been rehabilitated across Sindh.

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the company carried out extensive operational restructuring. This included the establishment of a zonal structure and new regions, as well as a redefinition of departmental and divisional responsibilities aimed at improving accountability and operational efficiency.

The SSGC has stated that the large-scale restructuring of the distribution network, combined with vigilant monitoring, gas load management and comprehensive pipeline rehabilitation across its franchise area, has enabled more efficient utilization of limited gas volumes.

In a landmark step toward digitalization, the company has deployed automation systems at 50 distribution town border stations (TBSs) under a pilot project. Building on its outcomes, another project to automate 47 additional TBSs and 18 Sales Meter Stations (SMSs), covering 42 legs or runs, is under execution.

The company has also enabled round-the-clock monitoring of gas purchases at points of delivery fiscal meters. Almost 100% gas volumes are now monitored through check meters, while 78.2% of volumes are being tracked through remote data acquisition systems, improving transparency and control.

Measurement accuracy has been further strengthened through the replacement of existing electronic volume correctors with updated versions, improved vigilance against suction devices, and better management of meter sizing and selection. The reliability of the measurement infrastructure has been verified by an international consultant.

In addition, SSGC has improved SMS- and TBS-wise purchase and sales reconciliations through detailed surveys and the correction of tagging inaccuracies, contributing to tighter control over gas accounting and further reduction in system losses.

NHA to widen Chakdara–Chitral section of N-45

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NHA to widen Chakdara–Chitral section of N-45

ISLAMABAD, Jan 10 (APP): The National Highway Authority (NHA) will widen and improve the 130.24km Chakdara–Chitral section of N-45 soon after approval of PC-I.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, three sections of Chakdara–Chitral route –38.85km Chakdara-Timergara, 43.39km Akhagram-Dir, and 48km Kalkatak-Chitral – would be widened and improved.

Most of the project’s codal formalities have been completed, and the remaining requirements will be finalized soon.

The purpose of the project is to upgrade the north-south transport corridor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The 312km-N-45, connecting Chitral in the north with Nowshera in the south through Dir and Chakdara, plays a crucial role in regional connectivity and economic activity. It also links the remote northern districts with the rest of the country.

According to the documents, the feasibility study of Section-I (Chakdara to Timergara) has been completed. Moreover, procurement of consultancy services has also been completed.

“Currently, the consultant is carrying out field surveys and investigations. The project is in the phase of detailed design, and PC-I is under preparation. Procurement of civil works will be initiated after completion of detailed design and PC-I,” reads the document.

The feasibility study for 43.39km Section-II (Akhagram to Dir) has also been completed, while the procurement of consultancy services for the preparation of detailed design and formulation of PC-I is in progress.

The feasibility study for 48km Section-III (Kalkatak to Chitral) has also been completed. However, the relevant consultant has submitted a revised PC-I, which is being reviewed by the NHA.

The NHA initiated the procurement of civil works, but the process was annulled due to the high bid price quoted by the bidder. The project is in the re-bidding phase.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, NHA Spokesperson Mazhar Hussain said the project was expected to significantly improve travel safety, reduce journey time, and enhance year-round accessibility to the mountainous region of Chitral, which often remains cut off during harsh weather conditions.

Once completed, the upgraded highway will facilitate movement of goods, boost tourism, and lower the transportation costs for the local communities.

“A modernized road infrastructure will support cross-regional trade and strengthen socio-economic development in Malakand and Upper Dir districts,” Mazhar said.

He added that the project will also generate employment opportunities during the construction phase and provide long-term economic benefits by integrating remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa more effectively with national markets and services.

3,000 new wheat lines enter field trials in Pakistan

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3,000 new wheat lines enter field trials in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 08 (APP): Pakistan has moved around 3,000 newly developed wheat lines into field evaluation after accelerating early-stage breeding through a speed breeding facility.

Dr Zahid Mahmood, Program Leader of Wheat Program at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), told Wealth Pakistan that the wheat lines have been developed since the launch of the facility in 2022 and are now undergoing field evaluation.

“These wheat lines were developed using controlled-environment speed breeding techniques,” he said, adding that the facility allows scientists to significantly reduce the time required for early-stage variety development.

Dr Zahid explained that under conventional breeding methods, developing a wheat variety takes between 12 and 15 years because eight generations must be completed in open-field conditions. “With this controlled environment, we can complete a generation in just two months and develop a new variety within seven to eight years,” he said.

He said the facility is the first purpose-built wheat speed breeding centre in Pakistan and the first of its kind in South Asia. Inspired by concepts used in space science, the centre provides a fully controlled environment that replaces years of field-based generation advancement.

“Normally, completing seven to eight generations takes nearly eight years in open fields,” he said. “Here, we can achieve the same in just one to one-and-a-half years.”

According to Dr Zahid, after two years of field evaluation, the best-performing wheat lines will be entered into national trials, which is a mandatory step before the release of new wheat varieties.

He said the programme has already delivered tangible outcomes, noting that the development of around 3,000 wheat lines would otherwise have taken several years using conventional methods.

Dr Zahid said the facility has also emerged as a regional hub for capacity building. Pakistan, as a pioneer of speed breeding in the region, has trained between 250 and 300 scientists and postgraduate students from within the country and abroad.

“Our collaboration extends beyond Pakistan,” he said, adding that the programme has worked closely with Central Asian countries and supported the establishment of the first speed breeding facility in Kazakhstan.

He noted that the speed breeding technology was originally developed in 2018 by the University of Queensland, Australia, where he was introduced to the concept during his doctoral research. Pakistan later adapted the system with technical support from Australian scientists.

Dr Zahid said the programme also integrates advanced tools, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, drones and multispectral sensors, to improve the speed and precision of crop evaluation.

“When breeding material is tested, we use drones and remote sensing technologies for rapid and accurate assessment,” he said, adding that these tools help reduce evaluation time while improving data quality.

He said the facility also serves as a research and training platform for MPhil and PhD scholars, strengthening Pakistan’s scientific and human resource capacity.

The speed breeding centre has been developed under a government-funded Public Sector Development Programme and forms part of broader efforts to modernise wheat research in the country.

Pakistan’s citrus exports can rise to $1bn through diversification, value addition

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Pakistan’s citrus exports can rise to $1bn through diversification, value addition

ISLAMABAD, Jan 07 (APP): Pakistan’s citrus sector is well positioned for a significant export expansion, with the potential to raise annual earnings to $1 billion within the next six years by introducing new citrus varieties, enhancing quality standards, and expanding value-added processing.

Member Board of Directors of the Pakistan Horticulture Export and Development Company (PHDEC), Ministry of Commerce, and chairman of the PHDEC Citrus Export Sub-committee Shoaib Ahmed Basra told Wealth Pakistan that industry assessments indicate the target is achievable as growers increasingly adopt seedless, early- and late-season varieties alongside modern production and post-harvest practices.

Pakistan has already demonstrated its export potential, with citrus shipments touching around $250 million in 2021. “This performance highlights the strength of our growers and exporters,” Basra said, adding that the introduction of internationally preferred varieties would allow Pakistan to access higher-value markets and substantially expand exports.

He noted that diversification beyond Kinnow into mandarins, tangerines, clementines, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit would enable year-round exports and broader access to premium global markets.

Strengthening quality certification, traceability systems, clean nurseries, and the use of imported germplasm, he said, would further enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness.

He also highlighted the potential of developing dedicated citrus clusters, particularly on virgin land in the Potohar region, to support modern, export-oriented production.

“Kinnow remains the backbone of our citrus industry and has served Pakistan extremely well for decades,” Basra said. “At the same time, global demand is evolving, and by aligning our production with international preferences, we can unlock new growth opportunities.”

Pakistan is expecting a strong Kinnow crop of around 2.8 million tonnes this season—nearly double last year’s output—reflecting improved production conditions. Basra said this rising output provides an excellent opportunity to expand value addition and diversify exports, ensuring better returns for farmers and exporters alike.

He also pointed to the growing scope for processed citrus products such as juices, concentrates, and packaged beverages, noting that value-added exports offer higher returns and longer shelf life. “Globally, value addition drives growth, and Pakistan has the raw material base to build a strong citrus processing industry,” he said.

Pakistan already exports citrus by sea to markets across the Middle East, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with shipments expected to rise this season. Central Asian markets also offer promising prospects due to their close proximity and growing demand.

Currently ranked as the world’s 18th-largest citrus exporter, Pakistan’s citrus sector accounts for about 30 percent of total fruit production. Kinnow represents roughly 85 percent of total citrus output and contributes around 80 percent of citrus exports, underlining its central role in both domestic and international markets.

Production is largely concentrated in Punjab, with major citrus-growing districts including Sargodha, Sahiwal, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, and Fateh Jang. This concentration has positioned Pakistan as the global hub for Kinnow, producing about 90 percent of the world’s total supply—a strong foundation on which the country can build a more diversified and higher-value citrus export future.

ETPB earns Rs28.45bn during 2015–2025

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ETPB earns Rs28.45bn during 2015–2025

ISLAMABAD, Jan 07 (APP): The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has recorded a revenue of Rs28.45 billion over the last 10 years from 2015 to 2025.

The total expenditure during this period stood at Rs23.42 billion, testifying to the organisation’s positive financial position over the decade, with revenues exceeding expenditures by a notable margin.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the revenue increased from Rs1.34 billion in 2015-16 to Rs5.53 billion in 2024-25. Officials attribute this upward trajectory to improved lease management, enhanced recovery of dues, monetisation of prime urban properties, and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening financial discipline.

On the expenditure side, the Board spent Rs1.16 billion in 2015-16, which gradually increased over the years, crossing Rs5.0 billion in 2024-25. The main heads of expenditure include salaries, allowances and pensions, electricity, gas and telephone charges, printing and publication, shrine-related festivals, civil works, and development and maintenance of religious and heritage properties.

The ETPB is responsible for managing a vast and historically sensitive portfolio of evacuee trust properties inherited after the partition of the Subcontinent. These include mandirs, gurdwaras, shrines, educational institutions, agricultural lands, and urban commercial properties located across the country.

The management and disposal of these assets are governed by the Evacuee Trust Properties (Management & Disposal) Act, 1975, which mandates the Board to protect religious heritage and generate sustainable revenue.

In a major move toward transparency and digitization, the ETPB has completed the geo-mapping of 15,146 agricultural lots and 4,409 urban properties. This initiative is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at safeguarding the Board’s assets, curbing encroachments, and improving property valuation.

An Android application has been launched to support the geo-mapping exercise. Through this system, the field staff records geo-coordinates, uploads photographs, and assesses the actual structure and usage of properties during the ground surveys. As a result, 92 percent of urban sub-units have been digitally documented, significantly improving the accuracy of records.

The geo-mapping project was carried out in 2020 with technical support from the Survey of Pakistan and is linked to the master file to ensure better asset management in the future.

A senior ETPB official told Wealth Pakistan that all financial policies and procedures of the organistaion are aligned with the federal government’s rules. The administrative and financial powers have been delegated to senior officers for efficient operations, while all payments are processed through the digital banking channels to maintain transparency and traceability.

He said that with continued reforms, digital oversight, and effective commercial utilization of properties, the Board has the potential to further enhance its revenue, contributing to economic activity while preserving Pakistan’s religious and cultural heritage.

Pakistan develops 400 advanced chickpea breeding lines

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Pakistan develops 400 advanced chickpea breeding lines

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6 (APP): Pakistan has developed 400 advanced chickpea breeding lines under a newly established Speed Breeding Facility, aimed at accelerating the development of climate-resilient and high-yield pulse varieties.

Dr Shahid Riaz Malik, Head of the Pulses Research Program at the National Agricultural Research Centre, told Wealth Pakistan that the advanced breeding lines have been developed using controlled-environment speed breeding techniques and are now being prepared for field testing.

He said the new facility allows researchers to reduce the development cycle of pulse varieties by nearly half. “Traditionally, it takes 12 to 15 years to develop a new pulse variety, but through speed breeding, we can now release a new variety in seven to eight years,” he said.

The facility focuses on key pulse crops including chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, black gram and other beans, which play a critical role in food security and farm incomes. Using precisely controlled temperature, humidity and light conditions, scientists are able to grow pulse crops every two months instead of once a year.

“In open-field conditions, chickpea takes about six months and can be grown only once a year. In our chambers, we can achieve five to six generations annually,” Dr Shahid explained.

He said the speed breeding approach enables rapid screening of plants for traits such as drought tolerance, heat resistance and disease resistance, which are increasingly important due to climate change. Promising lines are quickly advanced through hybridisation before moving to field trials.

The facility is Pakistan’s first dedicated speed breeding centre for pulses and the largest of its kind in South Asia. While similar facilities exist in other countries, Dr Shahid said they usually focus on multiple crops rather than pulses alone.

He said chickpea research under the programme is nearing completion, while work on lentils is around 70 to 75 percent finalised. Breeding protocols for mung bean and black gram are also being optimised, particularly as limited global research exists for these crops.

Following field testing, national yield trials and approval by seed councils, the newly developed pulse varieties are expected to be released to farmers within the next few years.

The programme has also expanded to include peanuts, millet and other crops, reflecting a broader multi-crop research approach. Capacity building is another major component, with scientists from across the national agricultural research system receiving training in speed breeding techniques, alongside university students engaged in advanced research.

Dr Shahid said the initiative benefits from international collaboration, particularly with Australia and China under CPEC-related projects, which has helped Pakistani researchers build expertise in modern breeding technologies.

The facility was established with funding from the Government of Pakistan under the Public Sector Development Programme and became fully operational in 2025 following the installation of LED grow lights. He said the team achieved significant progress within a year of full functionality.

Pakistani scientists develop Basmati variety with longest grain of 9.66mm

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Pakistani scientists develop Basmati variety with longest grain of 9.66mm

ISLAMABAD, Jan 04 (APP): Scientists at the Rice Research Institute (RRI) have developed a new Basmati rice variety featuring the longest grain ever recorded in Pakistan, measuring 9.66mm.

“Sultan Super Basmati, developed in 2025, has a grain length of 9.66mm, the longest so far in Pakistan’s rice varietal spectrum,” Dr Usman Saleem, Senior Scientist at the RRI, Kala Shah Kaku, told Wealth Pakistan.

He said the cooked grain of Sultan Super Basmati attains a length of up to 20mm, a rare trait that enhances its appeal in international markets.

Earlier, in 2023, the institute had developed Sona Super Basmati, which held the record with a grain length of 9.5mm. Prior to that, Kainat Basmati was considered the longest-grain variety in Pakistan, measuring 8.26mm. However, scientists note that Kainat is not a pure Basmati line but rather a fine rice variety with Basmati-like aroma.

Sultan Super Basmati has a yield potential of up to 77 maunds per acre, significantly higher than the average yield of around 45 maunds per acre achieved by existing varieties.

Dr Saleem said the new variety possesses a strong and typical Basmati aroma and superior cooking qualities. “It cooks evenly and maintains excellent grain elongation. Although it is a slightly late-sown variety, it matures around the same time as other commonly grown Basmati types,” he added.

He said the institute is currently working on three additional Basmati lines, expressing optimism that these would be released within the next two to three years.

Established as a rice farm by the British government in 1926, the RRI was upgraded to a full-fledged research institute in the 1970s. To date, it has developed 33 high-yielding fine and coarse rice varieties, including Basmati 385, Super Basmati, Super Gold, and Chenab.

Rice exporters have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the new variety would help Pakistan enhance its presence in international markets.

“Extra-long grain rice is highly sought after globally. However, for export success, the variety must be adopted quickly by farmers to ensure adequate exportable surplus,” said Taufiq Ahmad Khan, former senior vice chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he noted that the research institute and the government were working in tandem to fully capitalize on the potential of the new variety. He stressed that the grain must remain resilient during milling, as breakage during processing can negatively impact market perception.

“Pakistani rice enjoys strong demand worldwide for its aroma, grain length, and cooking quality. While Basmati dominates premium markets, non-Basmati varieties also have strong demand across Africa, the Middle East and other regions,” he added.

Khan emphasized the need to diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets, noting that Pakistan is increasingly targeting African countries through trade outreach and promotional activities.

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