Chinese team hands over hybrid rice seed to PU

LAHORE:       A team of China’s Wuhan University has handed over hybrid rice seed to Punjab University for hybrid rice breeding in Pakistan, which would bring revolution in agriculture sector. In this regard, a ceremony was held at PU Vice Chancellor’s office here on Tuesday. PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad Akhter, Mr Zhiyong XU and Mr Airu Zhu from Wuhan University, China, External Linkages Director Prof. Dr. Kanwal Ameen, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Director Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Haider, Assistant Professor Dr Muhammad Ali and others were present. PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad said that Punjab University would play its role for betterment of society as well country. He said that PU was promoting such research projects which would leave positive impact on society and country. IAGS Prof Dr Saleem Haider said that PU would experiment the hybrid breeding of rice at local level and its adaptation. He said that this hybrid breeding of rice in Pakistan would bring revolution in agriculture sector and strengthen academia-industry linkages. Later, the Chinese delegation visited the labs and experimental area of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences for hybrid rice production and appreciated the efforts of Prof. Dr. M. Saleem Haider and his team.