Wheat Research Institute,Faisalabad

Research efforts for wheat improvement dates back to 1906 when Cereal Section was established at Lyallpur, which was up-graded to the status of Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad in 1975. Wheat breeding in the sub-continent started during 1907 when a botanical survey was conducted and 25 landraces were identified among three species of wheat (Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum monococcum). These landraces provided the base for wheat research in this region and a regular breeding work was started which had resulted in the release of ten improved varieties from 1911-1965.
 Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad has a glorious history. The varieties released so far are playing a pivotal role for increasing wheat production of the country in general, and Punjab in particular. In 1947-48 the country’s wheat production was 2.63 million tones which have reached to the level of above 31million tones (2023-24). Resultantly the country became almost self-sufficient in wheat production. The Scientists of the institute are in a continuous struggle to break the yield barriers. Their efforts are to move from green revolution to the gene revolution. The research team of Wheat Research Institute is well aware of the fact that during 2050 we will need about 37.14 million tons of wheat to feed 334.68 million population and the country must meet these requirements for its integrity.

Mission

• To sustain food security in the country through development of high-yielding, disease and climate resilient wheat, barley and durum varieties

Objectives:
a) - Development of new wheat varieties with high yield and climate resilience

The institute is committed to developing high-performing wheat varieties that combine yield potential with resilience and end-use quality. This includes breeding for resistance to major diseases (rusts, smuts, bunts, blast, and viral pathogens), tolerance to abiotic stresses such as heat, drought, and salinity, and adaptability across diverse agro-ecologies. Equal emphasis is placed on grain quality, protein content, industrial suitability, chapatti quality and biofortification with essential micronutrients.

b)-Sustainability to cropping system

WRI also supports cropping system sustainability by developing both general-purpose and short-duration varieties suited to cotton–wheat and rice–wheat systems.

c) - Development of Advanced Wheat Production Technology

Alongside varietal development, the institute refines production technologies, including optimal sowing windows, input management, irrigation scheduling, and weed control practices.

d)-Dissemination of research advancements

Dissemination remains a key pillar, with research translated into impact through publications, farmer outreach, training programs and seminars, and collaboration with extension systems.

Achievements

Following are the research achievements of the institute:

• The varieties of Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad share more than 40% of wheat sown area in Pakistan. Currently, Akbar 19 covers more than 50% of the total wheat area in Pakistan. The Wheat Variety Akbar-19 has not only high yield potential, rust resistance, climate resilience but also has high zinc content (39mg Kg-1).    
• Wheat Research Institute Faisalabad has released 88 varieties of wheat barley and durum. 

Mega Wheat Varieties:

• Mexi-Pak, Pak-81, Inqilab-91, AS-02, Sahar-06, Faisalabad-08 and Galaxy-13 have been the mega wheat varieties of Pakistan.

Currently recommended varieties:  

• Wheat: Anaj-17, Akbar-19, Dilkash-20, Subhani-21, MH-21, Arooj-2022
• Barley: Jau-17, Sultan-17, Talbina-21, Jau-21, Pearl-21
• Durum: Durum-21 (The first Pasta/Noodles Variety of Pakistan)

ISO-17025 accredited Cereal Technology Lab
More than 100 research Publications in the last five years in the national and international journals.

Facilities

• ISO-17025 accredited lab for physio-chemical quality analysis of wheat, barley and durum

• Analytical laboratory for quality analysis for importers and exporters

• Wheat pathological lab for identification of wheat diseases

• Basic and pre basic wheat seed production system

• Germplasm resources comprising of more than 2000 accession of wheat, durum and barley

• Technical advisory services at the door steps of the stake holders and farming community

• Experimental farm comprising of 85 acres cultivated area
• State of the art farm machinery for sowing wheat experiment 

• Social Media Services

Services

Wheat Research Institute offers the following research services:

• Technical advisory service to farmers for wheat production technology.
• Seed distribution of latest approved wheat varieties to the farmers for getting higher yield.
• Demonstration of approved wheat varieties at farmer fields and conducting farmer days.
• Quality analysis services to wheat importers and exporters.
• Training Programs for different stakeholders (Professional trainings, seminars, workshops, farmers days, internship and post graduate research)
• Seed of wheat, barley and durum to registered companies and farmers. 

Allied Station

Wheat Research Sub-Station Murree

It was established in 1995-96 under the ADP project entitled “research on wheat crop in Punjab”. This substation provides the opportunity to carry out the breeding and pathology research throughout the year. It provides the ideal condition for screening of advanced breeding material against new yellow, leaf rust and stem rust races, rust resistant gene population and identification of adult plant resistance genes. Double haploid technology is the latest wheat breeding tool to evolve new wheat varieties. This method is feasible and economical to develop wide diversified wheat material with desirable genetic back ground in the shortest period. As the work of double haploid need continuation in its process but during the month of May-July is not possible to continue at Faisalabad due to high temperature. Therefore this substation is inevitable for double haploid studies (wheat X Maize) also.

Mission:

• To sustain food security in the country through development of high yielding, disease and climate resilient wheat, barley and durum varieties

Objectives:

• To conduct off-season trails of advanced generation of wheat and making necessary crosses.
• Seedling stage and field screening of advanced lines for rust diseases.
• Development of an efficient system for race analysis.

Research Activities

Following are the research activities,

Summer Wheat Screening Against Rusts

• The aim of this nursery is to screen the germplasm against rusts. Selected material is also harvested and sent back to WRI, Faisalabad.

Identification of Rust Races

• The rust specimens collected from various locations of Punjab are sent to Murree substation for race analysis.
• Inoculum Multiplication
• Inoculum is collected from Murree and Kaghan during summer season and multiplied at Faisalabad on Morocco (spreader). The rust spores trapped on early planted nursery are also multiplied and disseminated on filial generation (F1-F6) and on local & exotic nurseries for screening / selection of resistant wheat materials.

New vista:

• Generation advancement
• Double haploid breeding system through wheat-maize crossing

Contact Us

Senior Scientist
Wheat Research Sub-Station Murree
Email: saeedakhanum01@gmail.com 
Phone: 03009738922

Contact Us