Punjab University has partnered with Pesticon Seeds (Pvt) Ltd. to commercialize a newly developed hybrid rice variety, a joint venture between Pakistan and China. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s rice production capacity and boost exports.
The hybrid rice variety, which produces approximately 140 maunds per acre—nearly three times the yield of traditional rice strains—was developed after a decade of research and experimentation.
Under the agreement, Pesticon Seeds will manage the import, marketing, and sales of the hybrid seed in Pakistan, as well as handle regulatory approvals and certifications.
In return, Punjab University will receive royalties based on the sales of the hybrid seed.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the Vice Chancellor’s Office at Punjab University. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Pesticon Group CEO Muhammad Shahid, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Chairman of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Punjab University.
According to Prof. Dr. Ashfaq, the hybrid rice variety, named PU-786, has been rigorously tested in various regions across all four provinces of Pakistan.
It has demonstrated strong resistance to bacterial diseases, extreme heat, and pests, making it well-suited for diverse farming conditions.
The new hybrid variety, PU-786, has been officially approved by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) following successful technical evaluations.
