LAHORE: In a breakthrough gaining international attention, scientists from Pakistan and China have unveiled a new hybrid rice seed—PU786—that has the potential to triple per-acre yields. The innovation is set to revolutionize Pakistan’s agricultural sector and significantly improve food security.
Developed jointly by Punjab University (PU) and China’s Wuhan University, PU786 increases yields from approximately 1,600 kg to 5,600 kg per acre. What makes it especially promising is its resistance to heat, pests, and bacterial diseases—critical traits for farmers facing climate-related challenges in Pakistan.
“PU786 isn’t just a rice seed—it’s a seed of prosperity, innovation, and food sovereignty. From 1,600 kg to 5,600 kg per acre—that’s a game changer for Pakistani agriculture,” said a local farmer leader following the announcement.
PU786 is Pakistan’s first-ever Honglian-type hybrid rice, the result of over a decade of collaborative research and field trials conducted across all four provinces. The initiative was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Chair of PU’s Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, in partnership with Dr. Muhammad Ali Klasra and Chinese experts including Prof. Renshan Zhu, Dr. Xianting Wu, and Mr. Xu from Wuhan University.
After rigorous testing and technical evaluations, the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) officially approved PU786 for nationwide use.
“This is a big deal,” wrote one agricultural expert on social media. “A seed like PU786 that boosts yields and withstands heat and pests? That’s a total game-changer for farmers in Pakistan. Big props to the teams at Punjab and Wuhan. That’s years of hard work paying off.”
Another citizen posted, “Thank you, China, for supporting Pakistan—not just in defense, but in development and food security too!”
According to Dr. Ashfaq, PU786 does more than increase yields—it also opens doors for scientific collaboration, research exchange, and agricultural exports.
“This breakthrough isn’t just about rice. It’s about research-driven progress that benefits farmers, strengthens our economy, and enhances food security for millions,” he said. In addition to boosting crop production, the new seed is expected to improve local nutrition and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global rice market, especially in Asia.
“Rice is fundamental in Asia. Every country should treat it as a priority—it’s one of our most essential needs,” noted a policy analyst.
While the innovation has been widely praised for its productivity and climate resilience, experts say future efforts should focus on combining yield gains with quality. Pakistani rice—especially Basmati—is globally prized for its aroma, grain length, and flavor.
Analysts stress that ongoing research should aim to integrate these premium traits into high-yield hybrids like PU786 to help Pakistan maintain its competitive edge and meet growing global demand for high-quality rice. –Agencies
