CEREAL CROPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CCRI), PIRSABAK, NOWSHERA

Introduction

The Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI) in Pirsabak, Nowshera, is a prestigious institution in Pakistan, recognized for its contributions to cereal crops research. The institute has developed and commercialized 64 high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties of wheat, maize, barley, durum, and triticale. Notable achievements include the introduction of renowned wheat varieties such as Pirsabak-13, Shahkar, and Gulzar-19, known for their high yield and rust resistance. Additionally, newer varieties like Khyber-23 and Pirsabak-23, and a promising barley variety, Awaad, are now available for cultivation. CCRI has also made significant strides in maize hybrid development, with 19 improved OPVs and 5 hybrid cultivars, including prominent varieties like Jalal, Azam, and Babar. Despite facing financial challenges, the institute's accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of its team. To address global challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and rising prices, the institute is focused on developing climate-resilient varieties through innovative techniques like speed breeding, optimal cropping patterns, and cost-effective technologies, aiming to benefit farmers/ end-users.

Details of Section/Labs

A-Wheat Breeding Section with sub-section of

1. Minor Cereals
2. Plant Pathology

• Entomology

1. Maize Breeding & Agronomy Section
2. Seed Production Section

Laboratories

Soil Science-Plant Pathology-Entomology-Wheat Breeding and Maize Breeding

Official Message

Significant change has been observed in the seasonal patterns over the past few years. This irregular climate pattern, now visible globally, poses a major threat to agriculture and food security. Unpredictable weather conditions such as erratic rainfall, windstorms, hail storms, droughts, flash floods, and landslides, coupled with disease and pest outbreaks, have led to yield instability in crops planted during this decade. This unstable climate pattern remains a significant challenge to agriculture and food security. Furthermore, the current price hikes and financial difficulties in Pakistan have negatively impacted its contribution to crop yield. Our focus is on selecting cereals with high yields, disease resistance, insect pest tolerance, early maturity, and stress resilience. Our breeding program considers the screening of both national and international nurseries, segregating local and exotic germplasm, and standardizing technology to ensure wide adaptability.  In our pursuit of better understanding climate change, and try to explore cost-effective and environmentally friendly techniques for the well-being of poor farming community. Farming community is requested to share their views, issues and success stories for the food security and prosperity of the country.

Brief history

Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI), Pirsabak, Nowshera was initiated as a SEED FARM during 1951-52. Initially, the land was acquired from Evacuee Trust Property by the order of Governor West Pakistan. A total of 433 acre land was given to this Seed farm. Before 1961, Pakistan did not have its own independent seed production and marketing system. West Pakistan Agricultural Development Corporation (WPADC) was established in 1961 for the procurement and distribution of improved seeds of various crops. During 1972 its status changed from SEED FARM to Maize & Millet Research Institute (MMRI). It was upgraded to Cereal Crops Research Institute (CCRI) during 1980. Its Geo-location is 1600 km North of Gulf Ocean at 34⁰ N Latitude, 72⁰ E longitudes with altitude 288 meters above sea level.

Objectives

• Development of high yielding cereal crops varieties.
• Production technology standardization of the developed varieties.
• Maintenance and Production of BNS, Pre-Basic Seed.
• Subsequent replacement of infected cereal varieties.
• Mitigating of issues inured in cereal crops

Detail of Ongoing and regular Schemes

1. Developmental schemes

-CIMMYT program Activities

-PSDP wheat

1. Regular Schemes: Wheat and Maize BNS and Pre-Basic Seed production and varietal development program in all cereals excluding rice.

Functions

1. Germplasm Screening: Evaluate local and exotic germplasm of cereals systematically, addressing biotic and abiotic stresses.
2. Genetic Enhancement: Improve genetic variability of Cereal Crops.

• High-Quality Varieties: varieties suitability testing for both normal and late sowing in irrigated and rain-fed regions, characterized by high yield, disease resistance, and superior baking quality.

1. Optimal Management: Identify the best combination of inputs and crop management strategies for increased productivity.
2. Nucleus Seed Production: Generate breeder's nucleus seed from approved and commercial cereal varieties to maintain seed purity and support further pre-basic and basic seed production, fulfilling Institute and farming community needs.
3. Innovative Research: Design inventive research initiatives to advance cereal crops improvement.

• Nutrient-Enhanced Varieties: Develop varieties with higher levels of essential nutrients such as Zn and Fe.

Mandate

The mandate is to develop high yielding varieties in cereal crops which show resistance to biotic stresses and tolerance to abiotic stresses.

Achievements

1. Achievements in Seed Production:

• CCRI, has been Supplied seeds (Prebasic & Basic) on routine basis to Agriculture Extension, Seed Companies, and Progressive growers.
• Achieved beyond 100% target for maize seed production (50 tons annually).
• Produced 12.5 tons of BNS (Breeder Nucleus Seed) annually, sufficient for 250 tons of pre-Basic wheat.
• Provided 5000 tons of basic wheat seed, enough for 0.1 million certified seed, covering the provincial demand for 2 million acres.
• Average annual production: 8.19 tons BNS, 134.5 tons Pre-Basic, and 46.88 tons basic wheat seed

1. Achievements in Crop Varieties Developed:

• 61 cereal varieties developed, including 24 maize, 32 wheat, 3 barley, 1 triticale, and 1 durum wheat.
• Pioneer in developing maize hybrids in the country (2005).
• Developed 5 hybrids, including single and double cross white and yellow types.
• Provided 160-200 tons pre-basic wheat seed and 55-60 tons maize seed annually to extension and growers.
• Capable of producing sweet corn, popcorn, barley, oat, durum wheat, and triticale seed as per demand.
• Collaboration with international organizations and local yield assessment trials

Intensively involved in:

• Applied breeding program for improved maize OPV/Hybrids, resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Production and maintenance of breeder nucleus, pre-basic, and certified seed.
• Development and evaluation of new maize inbred lines, hybrids, and OPVs

Entomology:

• Protection and monitoring of field crops from insects and pests.
• Evaluation of insecticides and organic compounds for environmentally safe mechanisms.
• Services provision for locust control and other pest management needs. Seed Production:

Vision/Future Plan

1. Current Focus of the Institute:

• At the eve of climate change, the institute gave more focus on climate resilient cereal crops in addition yield & disease tolerance to drought tolerance, earliness, photo insensitivity and other malnutrition issues such as acceptable Zn, Fe contents, bio-fortification and lowering gluten protein.
• Due to high cost of inputs and fertilizers the Institute combating such issues with alternatives using various plant growth promoting bacteria’s (PGPR), trychoderma fungus etc.
• Bacterial association is also under trial for combating Fusarium Head Blight in wheat.
• Summer legume (Susbenia/ Mung bean) as a catch crop without suffering the main crop and compensating the soil nitrogen is underway.
• Bio fortification of crops for malnutrional issues like Zn, Fe etc.
• Seed, fertilizers and pesticides companies product evaluation and looking for the environmental friendly and cost-effective.
• Efforts for the control of Locusts and Fall Army worms.
• Sowing dates optimization for new lines/varieties of cereals.
• Promoting stay green characters in Maize for prolonged fodder availability in associated with maize yield.

       2.  Supposed Future planning:

• Solarization as alternatives for consistent electric supply for all labs, irrigations purposes etc.
• Extension of Shuttle breeding or advancement for speed breeding technologies.
• Revision on wheat/maize sowing and harvesting time due to climate change.
• Rain Shelter installation for monitoring drought trials.
• Close monitoring of insect/pest hierarchy under climate change and combating issues like Fall Army Worm, Locust control etc.
• Yield gap reduction via Fast track dissemination of smart varieties.
• Use the latest molecular breeding tools, bioinformatics and selection methods.
• Ensuring national agricultural research system partners are active participants in breeding program.
• Application of more precise phenotyping approaches — phenotyping platforms — and other tools, like remote sensing, to develop genetically diverse wheat varieties so that globally flourished.
• Annual genetic yield gains for at least 0.7 percent to be achieved.
• Consistency in provision of diverse, high-yielding wheat varieties that withstand infertile soils, drought, pests and diseases.
• Conduct research to help farmers to explore the full potential of improved seed while conserving soil and water resources.
• Cheaper technology standardization for the farming community.

HR Staff Position (Officers)