Green revolution: Farmers educated on new hybrid seeds

Hybrid seeds have been important in the growth of Pakistan’s agricultural sector in the past unlocking the green revolution in the sixties. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

FAISALABAD: Terming corn a profitable crop for farmers, agricultural experts have advised farmers to use best quality corn hybrid seeds to increase the production, saying that private sector needs to be encouraged to introduce new seed varieties so that crop’s productivity could be enhanced.

They were speaking at an interactive session with farmers who were visiting the hybrid corn field trial site, which serves as a learning centre for farmers in Gojra. The visit was organised by Monsanto Pakistan.

The experts said that after the introduction of hybrid maize during the 1990s, farmers have gradually shifted to hybrid maize from traditional or open pollinated varieties yields increased from a mere 30 maunds per acre to 80-120 maunds per acre. They said that corn crop is highly lucrative for farmers as it has higher per acre yield than other crops.

The experts said that although farmers have gradually shifted to high-yielding hybrid maize from traditional or open pollinated varieties, some farmers still fail to get the desired production because of use of substandard hybrids and old farming practices.

“The adoption of best quality hybrids is also important because the weather patterns are changing and farmers desperately need seeds that can cope with the harsh weather conditions, fit in changing crop rotations and most importantly provide much-needed economic benefits to the farmers,” they added.

The main objective of the event was to educate farmers about the best agronomic practices. Monsanto also showcased its latest and corn hybrids.

Hybrid seeds have been important in the growth of Pakistan’s agricultural sector in the past, unlocking the green revolution in the sixties. However, Monsanto’s international wing had been in trouble earlier this year as multiple countries, including Japan and markets in Europe, banned the sale of some of its new variety of hybrids over health concerns. Monsanto has since then attempted to increase its market in developing countries.