The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) with esteemed partners including University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), MNS University of Agriculture Multan, and the University of Sydney through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), has embarked on an intensive Hands-on Training program for wheat breeding practices and technologies across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States, held from 19-23 February 2024, in Pakistan. This unique training initiative spans the cities of Faisalabad and Multan, showcasing cutting-edge wheat breeding trials, including hybrid breeding techniques.
Participants hailing from Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan engaged in comprehensive theoretical sessions led by eminent figures such as Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali from IOFS and Prof Dr. Richard Trethowan and Dr Rebecca from University of Sydney. The program included a visit to the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute’s Station, providing a practical perspective on Characterization of Hybridity trials.
Continuing in Multan, in collaboration with the MNS Agricultural University of Multan, the training on February 21 delved into real-world applications. Attendees explored hybrid wheat responses across various agroecological environments, elaborated on commercial-scale hybrid seed production and evaluation, examined sowing geometry, and discussed the mechanization of agriculture.
This program underscores the IOFS’s commitment to fostering innovation and hands-on expertise in wheat production within the OIC Member States, aiming to significantly boost food security and agricultural advancement in the region.
