Faisalabad, 8 October 2025 — Pakistan has launched a regional training course on nuclear-aided crop improvement at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), a key research center of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). The initiative, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), brings together experts from 14 member states to advance mutation breeding and agricultural innovation.
Organized under the IAEA Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA), the course titled “Advanced Mutation Breeding Techniques for the Improvement of Nutritional Quality” highlights Pakistan’s leadership in peaceful nuclear applications for sustainable agriculture and food security.
The inauguration ceremony featured national and international scientists, including IAEA experts, who emphasized the importance of nuclear-aided crop improvement in enhancing the nutritional value of food crops and fostering regional collaboration.
Dr. Samina Iqbal, Officiating Director of the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), praised PAEC and NIAB for their pioneering role in agricultural research. “Pakistan’s commitment to nuclear science in agriculture has strengthened food security and positioned our institutions as regional leaders,” she said.
Dr. Muhammad Akhtar, Officiating Director of NIAB, welcomed participants and expressed hope that the training would promote knowledge sharing and best practices. Prof. Dr. M. Kashif Riaz Khan, Head of NIAB’s Plant Breeding and Genetics Division, noted that NIAB has developed 65 crop varieties using nuclear techniques, contributing significantly to national agricultural progress.
Representing the IAEA delegation, Prof. Dr. Nasya Tomlekova from Bulgaria commended Pakistan’s consistent support for regional capacity building. She highlighted the collaboration between IAEA and PAEC as a model for Asia–Pacific nations, accelerating scientific exchange and improving livelihoods.
Running through October 17, the training includes interactive sessions, lab demonstrations, and field visits, all focused on strengthening regional expertise in nuclear-aided crop improvement and mutation breeding.
NIAB is recognized as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for Agriculture, known for its contributions to crop improvement, soil management, and plant nutrition. Alongside NIBGE, NIFA (Peshawar), and NIA (Tandojam), NIAB forms part of PAEC’s agricultural research network, which has developed 164 high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties—90 of which remain in active cultivation.
Pakistan’s enduring partnership with the IAEA reflects its commitment to using nuclear technology for peace, prosperity, and regional progress. Through PAEC’s research centers, the country continues to transform scientific innovation into real-world benefits for farmers, consumers, and global food systems.
