Staff Report
FAISALABAD – In a breakthrough for agricultural innovation, the Punjab Seed Council has approved a new climate-resilient wheat variety, Chenab Pasta-24, developed by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).
This variety of Durum wheat is specially bred to tolerate heat and drought, offering a powerful tool in Pakistan’s fight against climate change and food insecurity.
Durum wheat—commonly known as pasta wheat—is the main ingredient in semolina flour, used in pasta, baked goods, and many other foods.
As global demand for pasta continues to rise, the launch of Chenab Pasta-24 is expected to unlock major opportunities in food processing, exports, and agri-based industries.
Approved for both irrigated and rain-fed regions, the new variety offers flexibility to farmers across various climates.
Its resilience to extreme heat and water scarcity makes it ideal for areas increasingly impacted by climate shifts.
A UAF spokesperson said that Chenab Pasta-24 supports the university’s vision of climate-smart agriculture.
It is expected to improve farmer incomes, reduce reliance on wheat imports, and strengthen Pakistan’s food supply chain with high-quality local production.
Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali and the UAF team have hailed this approval as a milestone.
The university community—faculty, researchers, and students alike—celebrated the announcement, seeing it as a reflection of UAF’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
So far, UAF has registered over 50 improved crop varieties, including fruits and vegetables.
This continued innovation reinforces its role as a national leader in agri-research, sustainability, and food security.
