OUTCOMES OF THE IOFS-COMSTECH-PARC THREE-DAY EXPERT MEETING ON «CLIMATE RESILIENT WHEAT CROP IMPROVEMENT FOR FOOD SECURITY»

The second day of the IOFS-COMSTECH-PARC expert meeting took place on 24 November 2022 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting included various presentations from international organizations, discussions on identifying issues in the wheat system, tackling climate change, and brainstorming on a way forward. In particular, emphasis was given on further cooperation within the Working Group through the IOFS Platform.

The first presentation in the program of the event included, «Promoting cereal production in the Sahel» was reported by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). The Arab Centre for the Studies of Arid Zones and Drylands (ACSAD) presented «The Role of ACSAD in the Development of Wheat Production in Arab Region.” Followed by a presentation on the “Effect of Salinity on the Wheat Landraces of United Arab Emirates” by International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). And finally a report by the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development on, “AOAD effort on increasing and improving wheat production on the Arab countries.”

Next, the participants were briefed by ARIA on information on the Afghanistan Wheat System, after which discussions were held on a way forward on the improvement of the Afghanistan Wheat System. This was then followed by, important and informative discussions on the improvement of wheat genetic potential, approaches and strategies to tackle climate change and an exchange of information on the climate-smart agricultural practices and techniques. Lastly, prospects for upscaling and commercialization of new varieties were discussed and further cooperation within the IOFS Platform, including building a joint coordination unit and developing an action plan.

The working group agreed to hold the next meeting in the beginning of 2023 to discuss the Action Plan and Agenda that was adopted during the current meeting. An elaboration of the Agenda was provided to the participants for discussion on a way forward.

The Second Day of the expert meeting constituted with an Award ceremony for all the participants. And the last day of the IOFS-COMSTECH-PARC event concluded with a visit to the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Pakistan, where the participants were given an opportunity to be introduced to all the Institutes under the Center and Gene Bank.