International Conference on Recent Trends in Maize Production

The heat tolerant and resilient maize crop can alleviate the hunger and help achieve the food security in the third world countries. This was stated by speakers at the International conference titled recent trends in maize production arranged by the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics (PBG), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Addressing on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the country had made the tremendous development in the maize. He said that the before the green revolution, maize floor was being used by the people as maize is the economical compared to wheat. In the modern era, the technology is needed to make the ‘roti’ from the maize to market it and to address the issue of hunger. He said that agri production could be boosted up by adopting heat-tolerant and insect-resistant varieties. The improved farming practices would also help reduce the production costs. CIMMYT country representative Dr Muhammad Imtiaz said Pakistan can earn heavy foreign exchange with the maize. The China is the world’s second-largest consumer of maize. The 2012-13, the maize production in Pakistan witnessed 15 percent increase. He said that the maize production had crossed 4.2 million tonnes mark in the last cropping year. The maize production can double in the developing counties by 2050. Talking about the major maize producer, he said the United States is the main supplier. Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof Dr Muhammad Arshad said that maize is the one of key player for the food security. He said that amid the climate changes, the short duration crops will help the country to meet the food demands of the increasing population. He said after the after wheat and rice, the maize is the third biggest food crop, it is also a major crop in many countries because of its multiple uses and high yield. He said that demand of the cereal is increasing and the maize can become most demanding cereal in developing countries by 2020. PBG Chairman Prof Dr Abdus Salam said that good-quality seeds are important owing to changing weather patterns. It will help fight harsh weather conditions. He said that maize was one of the major cereals. He said that there is a gap between public and private sector regarding research activities for the development of maize hybrids. Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization Director Prof Dr Asif Ali said maize was profitable crop. If the country succeeded in enhancing its production, maize-based industry would grow which will ultimately create employment opportunities.Dr Muhammad Aslam also spoke on the occasion.