Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, VC UAF and other Scientists inspect newly developed variety of Brassica Oilseed (Sarson) UAF-11 at Main Campus

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad has developed a new variety of Brassica oilseed (Desi Sarson) with the potential of 30-40 mounds per acre yield and maturity time 4-months. This would become a milestone for self-sufficiency in edible oil in the country. This was stated by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF while addressing “Farmers Convention on Physiological Maturity of UAF-11 Brassica Oilseed (Sarson)” as a Chief Guest at Farmers Syndicate Hall on Tuesday. Dr. Khan said Pakistan was importing over two million tons of edible oil worth of $2.4 billion annually making it the second largest import after petroleum products which compromises balance of payments capacity. He added that by wasting virtual water Pakistan was exporting its Rice worth of $ 2 billion per annum which was creating imbalance in agronomic practices. Dr. Iqrar was of the view that proper farming, production, processing and marketing of oilseeds can not only reduce dependence on imports but also help earn foreign exchange as Pakistan is located in the food deficient region. “Despite being an agrarian economy we are unable to produce sufficient edible oil, which leads us to spend substantial amount of foreign exchange, which is unfortunate”, he said. Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Dean Faculty of Agriculture earlier said that per capita consumption of edible oil in Pakistan was declining due to increasing poverty, presently it was at 10-24 kg; promoting cultivation of oilseeds will also be a great remedial measure to help masses reeling under poverty. He urged the farmers to adopt UAF-11 which has 49% oil contents and 40-50 seeds in each pod having great potential for productivity. Prof. Dr. Abdul Salam, Chairman Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) said that the Country requires about 2.045 million tons of edible oil annually and almost 76% of this was imported and only 24% was domestically produced. He added that these imports were constantly increasing by improving the oilseed production in the Country. He was of the view that we could provide better quality oilseed keeping in view increasing the health of the people. Prof. Dr. Hafeez Sadaqat, Breeder of the UAF-11 elaborated that there was a dire need to concentrate on developing high yielding oilseed variety that is why oilseeds research team of UAF has developed and produced Brassica type new variety. He added that this variety matures early than all other domestic varieties and fits in our cropping pattern. He said that amongst the good things of this variety are that it will not compete with the Major Rabi crops likes’ wheat. He added that this variety could be sown in BT Cotton Zone where Cotton is soon in March and Crop is terminated in November. He said that this variety can be sown in standing cotton and Sugarcane crops with low inputs and water requirements. Prof. Dr. Kamil Husnain, Tofeeq Ullah, Director Oilseeds Salah-ud-Din, Zia-ur-Rehman and others also spoke on the occasion. Farmers from all over the provinces, Scientists, Experts and students attended the Farmers Convention.