The institute is located at a distance of four kilometers from the Faisalabad city on Jhang Road, Faisalabad. It stands in the flat plains of Northeast of Punjab, between longitude 73º74 East, latitude 30º31.5 North, with an elevation of 184m (604 ft.) above sea level. Research on vegetable crops in this part of the sub-continent was started with the creation of a Vegetable Section in 1938, headed by an Assistant Botanist, at the Punjab Agri. College and Research Institute, Lyallpur (now called Faisalabad). In 1945, this Section was merged with the Fruit Section headed by a Fruit Specialist. In 1950, it was detached from the Fruit Section and a Vegetable Botanist was appointed to supervise the task of vegetable research. With the bifurcation of research and education in 1962, the vegetable section became a component of the newly created Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Lyallpur.This Vegetable Section was upgraded to the status of Vegetable Research Institute (VRI) in 1975.
Since then this institute has developed 65 high yielding better varieties/hybrids possessing biotic and abiotic stresses / tolerance. This institute has also developed technology for growing off-season vegetables under plastic tunnels. This institute has got the status of pioneer institution for the supply of vegetable breeding material / germplasm to other organizations of the country for research. The Vegetable Research Institute has been providing the advisory services to the vegetable growers and vegetable seed producers through Electronic and Print masses for enhancement of vegetable production in the country.
Mission
Improved and diversified vegetables varieties/hybrids using conventional and modern breeding approaches under different biotic/ abiotic stresses for sustainable production under climate change scenario
Objectives
- Evolution of superior Open Pollinated Varieties/ Hybrids
- Development of production technology of newly evolved genotypes
- Interaction with the farmers to identify field problems
- Designing research according to farmer’s field issues
- Collaboration with Universities and other Research Organizations
- Publication of research findings in National and International journals
- Training of master trainers (Agri. Extension & Seed Companies)
- Provision of pre-basic / basic vegetable seed to FSC/PSC/ Seed companies as per availability
- Promotion of Kitchen Gardening
Research Activities
Following are the research activities of the institute:
Since its establishment, Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad is working for development of new varieties of vegetables with improved genetic resistance against insects, diseases and climate change.
Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad is working on following vegetables:
|
Rabi Vegetables |
Kharif Vegetables |
||||
|
Tomato |
Garlic |
Radish |
Hot Pepper |
Sponge Gourd |
Bitter Gourd |
|
Onion |
Spinach |
Lettuce |
Cucumber |
Okra |
Musk Melon |
|
Peas |
Cauliflower |
Swiss Chard |
Tinda Gourd |
Vegetable Marrow |
Water Melon |
|
Carrot |
Cabbage |
Chia |
Beans |
Turmeric |
Long Melon |
|
Turnip |
Fenugreek |
Leek |
Ash Gourd |
Sweet Potato |
Sweet Pepper |
|
Brinjal |
Coriander |
|
Red Gourd |
Bottle Gourd |
|
Among these, breeding work is done on 22 vegetables. Whereas, in Coriander, Garlic, Cabbage, Lettuce, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Sweet Pepper, Sweet Potato, Beans, Ash Gourd and Red Gourd, research is done for improvement in production technology.
Main research areas of this institute are as under
- Evolution of vegetable varieties/hybrids having resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses
- Improvement in production technology and nutritional value of vegetables
- Improvement in seed production technology of vegetables
- Seed production of recommended varieties/hybrids of vegetables
Achievements
Following are the achievements of the institute:
Evolution Of New Varieties And Hybrids
Up till now, Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad has evolved 60 field varieties of different vegetables and 5 tomato hybrids.
Turmeric Cltivation In Pakistan
At time of independence, turmeric was not cultivated in western Pakistan. Hence, local demand was met either from eastern Pakistan or through import. After intensive research, it was found that turmeric can successfully be cultivated in Pakistan by mulching the fields with sugarcane trash. The introduction and adoption of this technique by farmers resulted in local production of turmeric and now we are not only meeting our demand locally but also exporting to other countries of the world in powder form.
Off-Season Onion Production Technology
In Punjab, conventional crop of onion is sown in spring and production is available in market from May to August. Whereas, September to March is deficiency period. During this period, onion prices are higher than normal. Keeping in view the high prices of onion in the aforesaid period, new crop has been introduced in the Punjab. The nursery for this crop is sown during July /August and transplanted in September. This crop provides green onion from mid-November to March, which not only provides onion in the scarcity period but also maintains the price at reasonable level. Dry onion can also be harvested in April. This crop receives longer period for growth, it flourishes well and also attains big bulb size resulting in better yield.
Off-Season Vegetables Production
In winter season, summer vegetables are grown under plastic tunnel. Usually, tunnel crop gives higher yield due to use of vertical space, proper nutrition and better growing conditions. These vegetables fetches higher prices in market due to off season and good production. In Punjab, Summer vegetables like Tomato, Sweet Pepper, Hot Pepper, Cucumber, Vegetable Marrow, Bitter Gourd, Red Gourd, Sponge Gourd and Bottle Gourd are successfully grown under plastic tunnels. Cucumber and Bottle gourd are direct seeded in plastic tunnel during 15-31 October. Vegetable Marrow, Bitter Gourd, Red Gourd, Ash Gourd and Sponge Gourd are sown under low tunnel during second fortnight of January.
Technology For The Control of Collar Rot In Chilies
It was found that if the chilies nursery plants are treated with fungicides before sowing and transplanted on ridges where the seedlings do not come in direct contract with irrigation water, then there is no spread of disease.
Popularization Of Kitchen Gardening
To encourage the people for kitchen gardening, a vegetables see kit containing all the important vegetables sufficient to be sown for 5 to 8 Marlas of land, is prepared and supplied on cheaper rats along with their production technologies. Almost 270000 seed packets are sold in rural and urban areas annually.
Seed Self-Sufficiency
Most of the country’s vegetables seed demand is met through imports. To save precious foreign reserves, local production of vegetables seed is mandatory. Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad has not only developed new varieties and hybrids of various vegetables but also developed and improved the vegetables seed production technology. And seed self-sufficiency has already been achieved in many vegetables. Almost 4 tonnes of vegetable seed of different varieties is being produced and provided to farmers at cheaper rates. Now many private seed companies are also involved in vegetables seed production. This institute is supporting these private seed companies through giving technical assistance and providing basic seed.
Hybrids Development In Tomato
Experiments on hybrids development in tomato has been completed successfully. Uptill now, 5 tomato hybrids have been approved for general cultivation. Among these, Four hybrids can be successfully cultivated under high and walk in tunnel whereas one hybrid is suitable for open file cultivation. Seed of these hybrids can be produced locally at very cheaper rates.
Tunnel Cultivation Of Tomato In Autumn
Many experiments has been conducted for early production of tomato and increase its supply period in Punjab. It has been found that September sown crop gives more production then October-November sown crop. And also, farmer can get higher prices in January to March due to limited supply of tomato in market. Moreover this crop gives production from January to early June. However, only highly resistant, indeterminate hybrid types are recommended for this crop. Moreover, In Punjab, for early cultivation of Tomato in September, protection from whitefly and other sucking insects is very important. Because these insects are responsible for spreading viral diseases in Tomato.
Cultivation Of Bitter Gourd In Autumn
Bitter Gourd is an important summer vegetable. To ensure availability of Bitter Gourd throughout the year, Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad has evolved and approved a variety “Safeena” for autumn cultivation. This variety has good resistant against diseases. It can be cultivated in June-July. For good production, use of nets is recommended. Its production starts in September and continues up to November which ensure year round availability of Bitter Gourd in market.
Effect Of Vegetables Research On County’s Economy
Evolution of new varieties/hybrid in vegetables and improvement of their production technology has resulted in increase in area and production of vegetables. Due to increase in production, not only per capita vegetables consumption is improved. This has also resulted in uplift of economy, decrease in imports and increase in exports. Moreover, vegetables prices are also stabilized.
Initiatives
Development Of Hybrids
As compared to other crops, hybrids are more important in vegetables due to uniformity in size, shape and high yield. Keeping in new the importance of hybrids in vegetables, this institute has started hybrid development research programs in Tomato, Cucumber, Chilies, Brinjal, Muskmelon, Watermelon and squashes. Research on hybrids development is in initial stages. However fiver hybrids has been developed and approved. These tomato hybrids have high yield then common varieties.
Tunnel Cultivation
Research is being done to enhance the yield and increase the availability period of off season vegetables under tunnel. This will not only improve market supply of fresh vegetables thus helping in stabilization of market prices but also will increase farm profitability. Moreover, trials on drip irrigation in vegetables are also in progress.
Ginger Cultivation
Pakistan relies on imports to meet domestic ginger requirement due to no local production of ginger. Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad has started research trials for successful cultivation of ginger in Punjab.
Mechanization Of Vegetables Cultivation
Mechanized cultivation of vegetables is not common in Pakistan. This results in increased cost of production. Therefore, research has been initiated for mechanization of cultural practices in vegetables. |Moreover, trials are also under progress on use of machines in vegetables seed production.
Name |
Designation |
|
Contact No. |
Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad |
|||
|
Amir Latif
|
Principal Scientist
|
041-9201678 |
|
| Muhammad Sajjad Saeed | Principal Scientist | sajjadpulses1751@gmail.com | 041-9201678 |
|
Dr. Sajid Ali |
Senior Scientist |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Muhammad Amin |
Senior Scientist |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Dr. Waseem Abbas |
Senior Scientist |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Dr. Kashif Rashid |
Senior Scientist |
drlr1367@gmail.com |
041-9201678 |
|
Kashif Nadeem |
Senior Scientist |
041-9201678 |
|
| Dr. Atif Ali | Senior Scientist | atif_ali_uaf@yahoo.com | 041-9201678 |
| Aqsa Tahir | Senior Scientist | directorvegetable@yahoo.com | 041-9201678 |
|
Muneeb Munawar |
Scientific Officer |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Rasheda Aslam |
Scientific Officer |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Etlas Amin |
Scientific Officer |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Nusrat Parveen |
Scientific Officer |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Mehvish Tahir |
Scientific Officer |
041-9201678 |
|
|
Muhammad Ijaz |
Scientific Officer |
041-9201678 |
|
| Sadia Sardar | Scientific Officer | Sadiasardar636@yahoo.com | 041-9201678 |
| Wajeeha Khan | Scientific Officer | Khanwajeeha80@yahoo.com | 041-9201678 |
| Maria Anjum | Scientific Officer | mariaanjum557@gmail.com | 041-9201678 |
Vegetable Research Sub Station, Raiwind |
|||
|
Ghulam Mustafa Siddiqi |
Scientific Officer |
0300-8323840 |
|
Vegetable Research Sub Station, Bahawalpur |
|||
|
Muhammad Ijaz |
Scientific Officer |
0300-6968100 |
|
Facilities
Following are the facilities provided by the institute:
- This institute has 73 acres of research area at Faisalabad equipped with tunnels, isolation chambers, Seed stores and drip irrigation system
- This institute also has research area in other districts of Punjab i.e. Sheikhupura (8 acres), Bahawalpur (20 acres), Mianwali (20 acres), Jhang (4.75 acres), Sahiwal (36 acres) and Raiwind (16.5 acres).
Services
Following are the services offered by the institute:
1. Provision of Pre Basic Seed of Approved Varieties to Private Seed Companies and Farmers on Limited Scale
Introduction: Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad has evolved almost sixty varieties of different vegetables and five tomato hybrids. These varieties and hybrids are high yielding, good quality and possess resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. These varieties and hybrids are suitable for general cultivation in Punjab. This institute produces almost 4 tonnes per annum pre basic and basic seed of these vegetables. This seed is available to seed companies and farmers for multiplication and general cultivation.
Scope: Pre basic and basic seed of approved varieties of following vegetables is available to farmers and private seed companies.
|
Rabi Vegetables |
Kharif Vegetables |
|
Cauliflower |
Bottle Gourd |
|
Coriander |
Tinda Gourd |
|
Spinach |
Bitter Gourd |
|
Radish |
Cucumber |
|
Turnip |
Musk Melon |
|
Carrot |
Water Melon |
|
Peas |
Okra |
|
Onion |
|
|
Fenugreek |
|
|
Tomato (OPVs & Hybrid) |
|
Contact of the Focal Person
For inquiry regarding seed availability and prices
|
Rasheda Aslam
Scientific Officer
Vegetable Research Institute
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad
Phone: 041-9201678
|
Sultan Ali Tipu
Vegetable Research Institute
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad
Phone: 041-9201678
|
2. Adaptability of Vegetable Varieties and Hybrids
Introduction: Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad conducts adaptability trials of vegetable varieties and hybrids imported or developed by private seed companies. Two years adaptability trials are mandatory for getting seed import permit from FSC&RD. Private seed companies can submit their vegetable seed samples to this institute for adaptability testing of their varieties and hybrids.
Scope: This institute conducts adaptability trials of all vegetables.
Contact of the Focal Person
For information regarding seed sample size for various vegetables and time of sample submission, please contact
Scientific officer
3. Provision of Kitchen Gardening Seed Kits
Introduction: To encourage the people for kitchen gardening, a vegetables see kit containing all the important vegetables sufficient to be sown for 5 to 8 Marlas of land, is prepared and supplied on cheaper rates along with their production technologies. Almost 270000 seed packets are sold in rural and urban areas annually directly and through agricultural extension department.
Scope: Kitchen gardening Seed kits for summer and winter season are available at Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad. Price of one seed kit is Rs. 70.
Contact of the Focal Person
These seed kits may be purchased by visiting us or from district agricultural extension office.
4. Dissemination of Knowledge through Farmers Advisory Services
Introduction: Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad provides advisory service to farmers regarding vegetables cultivation, tunnels technology, drip irrigation, disease management, vegetables seed production and other issues related to vegetables cultivation through print media and radio talks. This institute has published many books regarding vegetables cultivations. Moreover, farmers can visit this institute for complete guidance regarding vegetables cultivation.
Contact of the Focal Person
Allied Stations
Vegetable Res Sub-Station, Sheikhupura
Total Area : 10 Acres
Cultivated Area : 08 Acres
Research Activities
- Seed multiplication of recommended varieties of institute in isolations
- Multilocation yield trials of vegetables
Contact Us
Vegetable Research Sub-Station, Sahiwal
Total Area : 20.5 Acres
Cultivated Area : 15.25 Acres
Research Activities
- Seed multiplication of recommended varieties of institute in isolations
- Multilocation yield trials of vegetables
Contact Us
Vegetable Research Sub Station, Raiwind
Total Area : 22.8 Acres
Cultivated Area : 16.5 Acres
Research Activities
- Seed multiplication of recommended varieties of institute in isolations
- Multilocation yield trials of vegetables
Contact Us
Scientific Officer
Mobile: 0300-8323840
Vegetable Research Sub-Station, Jhang
Total Area : 5 Acres
Cultivated Area : 4.75 Acres
Research Activities
- Seed multiplication of recommended varieties of institute in isolations
- Multilocation yield trials of vegetables
Contact Us
Plant Observer
Mobile: 0306-7697028
Vegetable Res Sub-Station, Bahawalpur
Total Area : 22 Acres
Cultivated Area : 20 Acres
Research Activities
- Seed multiplication of recommended varieties of institute in isolations
- Multilocation yield trials of vegetables
Contact Us
Scientific Officer
Mobile: 0300-6968100
Vegetable Res Sub-Station, Mianwali
Total Area : 20.5 Acres
Cultivated Area : 19.5 Acres
Research Activities
- Seed multiplication of recommended varieties of institute in isolations
- Multilocation yield trials of vegetables
Contact Us
Field Assistant
Mobile: 0301-5206507