Country Status Reports on Underutilized Crops by Abdul Ghafoor, Pakistan - Regional Expert Consultation on Underutilized Crops for Food and Nutritional Security in Asia and the Pacific November 13-15, 2017, Bangkok

1. Country Status Report, PAKISTAN
Regional Expert Consultation on Underutilized Crops for Food and
Nutritional Security in Asia and the Pacific

2. PAKISTAN
 Land of mighty mountains with diverse geo-bio-ecology
and highest youth ratio
 South Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, India on the
east. Iran and Afghanistan in the west and China in the
north
Land area 79.61 Mha
Not available for cultivation 24.35 Mha
Cultivable waste 8.83 Mha
Forest area 3.48 Mha
Cultivated area 21.40 Mha
Rainfed area 4.29 Mha
Irrigated area 17.11 Mha
Cropped area 22.44 Mha
Area under grain crops 11.94 Mha
Area under pulse crops 1.48 Mha
Cropping intensity 99.90%
Land use intensity 66.60%
Population 207 mill
GDP
GDP growth rate
283.7 billion US
5.7% (2016)
Share of agriculture in GDP 25.6 %
Major crops growth rate -12.3% to 37.3 %
Other crops -4.0% to 47.0%

3. Genetic Resources and domestication of
underutilized crops in Pakistan
Pakistan has great diversity for temperature, rainfall, altitude, latitude
and soil that has resulted in different agro-ecological regions where
PGRFA have evolved over a long period of time.
Lies in the Central Asiatic Center of Diversity and in the vicinity of
Near Eastern and Indian Centers of Diversity.
Mehrgarh Civilization in Baluchistan (9500 to 7500 BP)
Barley, wild barley and wheat (einkorn, emmer, durum, and bread
wheat).
Indus Civilization in Punjab and Sindh (5000 to 4000 BP)
Barley, wheat, dates, sesame, field peas, cotton and lentils.
Introduction

4. Current status of biodiversity
250,000 to 300,000 edible plant species.
7,000 plants species for human consumption.
400 plant species are domesticated.
> 80% are underutilized.
12 plant species contribute >75% of global intake of plant-
derived calories and three crops (wheat, rice, and maize)
contribute 60 % calories and 56 % protein from plants.
Rapid decline in biodiversity, especially the underutilized
crops – a threat to healthy food security.
75 % of plant genetic diversity has lost during last
century due to urbanization, crop improvement,
commercial cultivation, climate change, still going on!
Majority were underutilized with no ex-situ
conservation.
Introduction

5. Underutilized Crops, Which? Where?
Why? When ( a game of 4 W’s)
Not all common
Not everywhere
Not similar reasons
Not always
Major crops – Food security
Minor or underutilized crops –
Healthy food security
Maize area in KPK is 43% but its
production is only 29%.
In Punjab it is on 54% areas with
68% production.
Underutilized except Punjab.
Dependence on few crops minimized
diverse food ingredients in last 3-4
decades, particularly in Asia.

6. Crop Group Name Area
(Hectares)
Production
(Tones)
Number of
accessions
R & D in
the country
Cereals Barley 70,778 66,451 1,277 Fair
Sorghum 194,773 114,619 947 Fair
Oats NA NA 524 Fair
Millet 461,601 294,395 225 Little
Buckwheat NA NA 198 Nil
Oilseed Sesame 82,698 33,147 825 Little
Linseed 3,302 2,366 679 Little
Safflower 20 23 827 Good
Castor oil 2,456 2,580 106 Fair
Legumes Cowpea NA NA 384 Fair
Moth bean NA NA 67 Fair
Faba bean NA NA 60 Nil
Pigeon pea NA NA 9 Nil
Lathyrus NA NA 51 Nil
Vegetable Patulaca NA NA 16 Nil
Fiber crops Sun hemp 221 126 113 Nil
Kenaf NA NA 66 Nil
Roselle NA NA 28 Nil
Jute NA NA Nil Nil
MAPs Kalonji NA NA 125 Fair
Taramera NA NA 405 Fair
Area, production, and
status of Underutilized
crops in Pakistan

7. Crop group Accessions
Conserved
Accessions
evaluated
Selected
accessions
Cereals 10,160 6,514 246
Oilseeds 7,797 4,525 356
Legumes 6,141 4,598 241
Vegetables 4,967 1,421 102
Fiber crops 2,296 654 54
Fodder crops 2,161 897 98
MAPs 1,939 1,021 146
Weeds 97
Others 53
Total 35,611
Significant achievements: germplasm collection, characterization,
evaluation, conservation and documentation

8. Underutilized crop
Accessions in
Genebank
Accessions
evaluated
Traits
studied
Selected
accessions
Buckwheat 198 160 6 -
Common Bean 754 400 3 -
Fenugreek 302 167 22 2
Guar 880 400 17 4
Kalonji 125 80 14 1
Linseed 689 150 16 2
Safflower 826 369 21 27
Sesame 823 184 16 8
Taramira 405 290 20 3
Turmeric 21 20 21 1
Barley 1,277 700 12 4
Sorghum 947 541 18 2
Millets 225 194 20 6
Oats 524 360 15 5
Castor oil seed 106 65 14 5
Cowpea 384 173 27 12
Mash 649 550 18 25
Common beans 1,221 400 3 5
Moth bean 67 51 6 2
Faba bean 60 6 4 -
Pigeon pea 9 4 6 -
Lathyrus 51 32 8 -
Sunhemp 113 - - -
Kenat 66 - - -
Roselle 28 - - -
Patulaca 16 - - -
R & D of
underutilized
crops in Pakistan

9. Genetic diversity in underutilized crops
Crop QLT QNT Protein DNA Reference
Glycine max High High Low - Faisal, 2001
Fagopyron esculatis High High Medium - Unpublished
Vigna mungo Low High Low High Ghafoor et al., 2012; 2017
V. oconitifolia Low High Low - Unpublished
V. unguiculata High High Low - Iqbal et al., 2005
Cicer arietinum High High Low - Iqbal et al., 2005
Eruca sativa Low High Low High Shinwai et al., 2013
Linum unsitatissimum Low High Low - Unpublished
Nigella sativa Low High Low High Iqbal et al., 2011

10. 10
Traits Mean ± SE SD Range CV Check
Grain yield (g) 5.75 ± 0.44 2.67 1.47 – 11.24 46.42 9.53 ± 0.55
Biomass (g) 23.98 ± 1.49 8.96 7.96 – 46.34 37.37 12.40 ± 3.74
Harvest Index (%) 24.52 ± 0.83 4.97 13.28 – 31.33 20.26 19.68 ± 4.44
Oil contents (%) 31.16 ± 0.23 1.37 28.40 – 34.33 4.38 31.39 ± 0.16
Protein (%) 22.10 ± 0.25 1.53 19.21 – 26.28 6.91 21.05 ± 4.32
Carbohydrates (%) 25.47 ± 0.62 3.70 14.71 – 30.80 14.52 27.15 ± 3.25
Ash (%) 5.07 ± 0.07 0.44 3.52 – 6.06 8.67 5.52 ± 0.37
Moisture (%) 5.89 ± 0.05 0.30 5.42 – 6.74 5.10 5.79 ± 0.23
Fiber (%) 10.52 ± 0.39 2.34 6.03 – 15.08 22.24 8.88 ± 0.63
Hexane (%) 25.92 ± 0.79 4.75 18 – 35 18.34 26 ± 1.32
C:M (2:1) (%) 31.72 ± 0.68 4.06 22 – 37 12.80 30 ± 1.36
C:M (1:3) (%) 27.00 ± 0.66 3.94 18 – 34 14.57 19 ± 2.21
Exploiting Nigella sativa L. for crop diversification, road through success
Iqbal et al., 2014. Journal of American Oil
Chemist Society, 91: 1975-1986.
Iqbal et al., 2013. International Journal of
Agriculture and Biology, 15: 443-450.
Variety development

11. Crop Characters of
interest
Varieties/advanced lines Reference
Vigna mungo Yield & MYMV Mash 1, Mash 2, Mash 3 Ghafoor et al., 2015; 2017
Dual season NARC Mash 2014 Ghafoor et al., 2013
Charcoal rot 45718, 45719, 45721, 45731 Iqbal et al., 2003
ULCV VH 9440039-3, ES- 1 Bashir et al., 2005
Lens culinaris Yield potential 40688, 40757, 40787 Bakhsh et al., 1992
Vigna unguiculata Yield potential 27003, 27009, 27044, 27082, 27097 Iqbal et al., 2003
BICMV 27168, 27192 Bashir et al., 2002
Pisum sativum Yield potential 10603, 10607, 10610, 10645, 10646 Javaid et al., 2002
Powdery mildew 10603, 10628 Ahmad et al., 2001
Vigna aconitifolia Variety Dera moth Yaqoob, 2014
Eruca sativa Yield, growth
vigour
26187, 27460 Shinwari et al., 2013
Nigella sativa Yield, early, vigour 35896 Rabbani et al., 2011
Trigonella foenum-graecum Herbage yield 35966, 35969
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Early, yield 23683, 23684, 24272
Linum usitatissimum Yield 27375, 35882
Carthamus tinctorius Spineless, yield 16198, 16203, 16410
Sesamum indicum Yield 21943, 22256, 22272, 24839, 26803
PGR for underutilized crops improvement in Pakistan Variety development

12. Summary of Underutilized Crops at BCI
Characterized (one year) > 60 percent PGR
Evaluated (2-3 years) > 50 percent PGR
Screening against diseases 05 percent PGR
Screening against abiotic stresses 02 percent (Vigna)
Evaluated for quality 24 accessions (basil, rosemary,
mentha, Nigella)
Varieties developed 04 (Nigella, Vigna, sweet corn)
Elite lines identified >100
Advanced lines 10
Variety development

13. Documentation of underutilized crops
Catalogue
Reports
Broachers
Articles
News paper articles
Peer review
Farmers’ guidelines
Postgraduate thesis

14. Underutilized crops are mostly cultivated by farmers in
traditional way, however production technology is available for
barley, oats, sorghum, millet, blackgram and cowpea.
Mostly broadcasting seed depending upon availability of
moisture.
Some of the crops are mixed cultivated or as boarder crop.
Some are collected from wild.
Bio-resources Conservation Institute (BCI) has compiled
production technology of some underutilized and neglected
crops in national language for the farmers.
Cultivation practices

15. Production technology for MAPs and underutilized crops

16. Traditional sweets and salts food products
Private companies for MAPs value addition
products
House-hold snacks
Daily use for food ingredients
Insignificant R & D in value addition and product
development by public sector’s support
Processing, value addition and product
development

17. Disease and
pest
management
Name Diseases Management Insects Management
Barley NS No data No data No data
Sorghum NS No data Insect attack
Oats NS No data
Millet NS No data
Blackgram Charcoal rot,
MYMV, LCV
Resistance Insect attack
Buckwheat NS No data No data No data
Sesame Phyllody No resistance Insect attack
Linseed NS Insect attack
Safflower NS Insect attack
Castor oil NS
Cowpea Viruses
[BICMV,
CMV]
Resistance Insect attack
Moth bean MYMV No resistance Insect attack
Faba bean Viruses
Pigeon pea NS
Lathyrus NA
Patulaca NA
Sun hemp NA
Kenaf NA
Roselle NA
Jute NA
Kalonji NS
Taramera NS

18.  Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Agro-biodiversity of
underutilized crops.
 Collection, conservation and characterization of vegetables crop
biodiversity.
 Germpasm collection, evaluation and propagation of Amla (Phyllanthus
emblica) and Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) in Pakistan.
 Introduction of medicinal herbs and spices as crops.
 Production of medicinal herb in collaboration with private sector.
 Regeneration of chickpea, grapsspea, lentil and rice collection, Pakistan.
 Conservation and sustainable utilization of aromatic and medicinal plants.
 Extraction and analysis of essential oil from Rose, Jasmine and Aromatic
herbs.
R & D accomplishments on underutilized crops (projects)

19. Traditionally cultivated on marginal lands, marginal R & D with little
economics inputs & genetic resources.
Vary within and between the country, region or locality, hence the
potentially important crop species should be prioritized.
Growers not benefited rather exploitation by middle man.
Awareness among communities for food diversification and healthy food.
R & D for improved varieties, production technologies and marketing
opportunities.
Germplasm assemblage to save it from extinction.
Multidisciplinary teams development for crop groups.
Underutilized crops should be brought out of their present status of
marginal lands, marginal interest and least R & D.
Challenges and opportunities

20.  No regular system for marketing and commercialization of underutilized crop in
the country.
 The market mostly driven through demand-supply chain, however due to
insecure farming for underutilized crops, there is exploitation by the middle
man.
 The producers and consumers are weak stakeholder due to non-involvement
of public sector in these low priority commodities.
Marketing is needed to streamline.
Have the potential to increase income to producers and sellers.
Need incentives for scaling up and rationalize investing in
farming of underutilized crops.
Marketing through value addition.
Marketing, commercialization and trade

21. Strategies adopted to harness their potential
Scattered R & D need networking and collaborative efforts.
Multidisciplinary team.
Not priority areas.
Government agencies to enable farmers to obtain maximum yield potential.
Exploitation of genetic potential through conventional as well as modern breeding
techniques.
Seed production to support agricultural productivity.
Improved production technology, post-harvest technology and infrastructure
development for R & D, particularly for value addition.
Policies and regulations for seed, marketing and export in true spirit.
Contractual farming to ensure farmer profit and crop insurance.
Mechanization through technology suitable to small farmer.
Capacity building.

22. PGR flow in Pakistan for food security
Plant Genetic
Resources
Genetic
Diversity
PGR
distribution &
Crop
Improvement
Food Security
> 35,000
accessions
> 60 % are
underutilized
crops
> 200 wild
relatives
> 2,000 MAPs
Field genebank
In-vitro
conservation
High diversity in
indigenous PGR
Diversity has
linear
relationship with
crop
improvement
> 50%
evaluated
5% evaluated
for markers
>10,000
distributed
annually
>40 varieties
developed
through
indigenous
PGR
Healthy food security
through crop
diversification of
underutilized crop
species

23. Germplasm collection, characterization, evaluation and conservation for
exploitation of genetic potential of underutilized crops for healthy food
security.
Variety development through conventional breeding by participatory
approach and development of fine tune production technology including
access to market. One variety of Nigella sativa, six of blackgram and one
variety of Vigna oconitifolia developed for general cultivation.
Production technologies developed.
Crop improvement work accomplished but scattered, yet to compile.
NGOs working on underutilized crops and MAPs to encourage the poor rural
women farmers’ involvement.
Value addition, i.e., Nigella sativa coupled with bee keeping for honey
production.
Major focus areas

24. No established infrastructure for underutilized crops.
No regular financial support, through development projects.
Require modern analytical infrastructure due to high nutritional
value, higher amount of essential amino acids and minerals.
Multidisciplinary team with modern state of the art infrastructure.
Infrastructure, capacity building and financial
investments

25. Bio-resources Conservation
Institute
Plant Genetic
Resources Program
Exploration Lab.
National Genebank
Seed Preservation Lab.
Evaluation Lab.
Plant Introduction and Seed
Health Lab.
Data Management Lab.
Clonal Repositories
MAPs
Microbial Genetic
resources
Conservation
Program
Animal Genetic
Resources
Conservation
Program
National
Herbarium
Program

26. R & D on Nigella sativa initiated, germplasm collected, evaluated and
one variety was developed along with production technology for
farmers.
Nigella sativa cultivation coupled with honey production increased
farmers’ income in addition to health improvement.
Initiated collection, evaluation and conservation of neglected crops
and medicinal herbs. Herbarium documentation for easy and quick
access.
>100 plants identified, documented and conserved at two repositories.
Used by local people for healthcare and we have formulated the
product for ready to use.
Case Studies/success stories for improvement of health and
livelihood

27. Prioritization of underutilized crops.
Streamlining R & D based on market demand.
Diversification of healthy food, awareness, production
and access.
Healthy and nutritious food to be kept at priority.
Conservation of genetic resources of underutilized
crops, their evaluation, documentation and utilization.
Value addition and increasing the consumption of
underutilized crops for diversification of food to ensure
healthy food for all.
Improve marketing system and explore international
markets.
Future thrusts

28. New Crop species: potential sources for
crop/fruit diversification
Breadfruit: a future food source to feed
the hunger planet
Kiwi-fruit introduction
Dragon-fruit
Free-food
Wild edible plants
Future thrusts

29. Cereals Pulses Fruit & Vegetable
R & D in
Pakistan
R & D in
Pakistan
R & D in
Pakistan
Buckwheat * Grass pea * Drumstick **
Tartary buckwheat - Faba bean * Chayote -
Foxtail millet * Cow pea ** Fenugreek **
Proso millet - Mung bean *** Snake gourd *
Finger millet * Black gram *** Pumpkin *
Sorghum ** Rice bean * Roselle -
Amaranth * Lentil *** Indian gooseberry -
Grain amranth - Horse gram - Jack fruit -
Quinoa ** Soybean *** Wood apple *
Specialty rice -
Potential Future Smart Food (FSF): Regional Priority-setting on Scoping,
Prioritizing and Mapping of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS):
in eight countries of South and Southeast Asia, however Pakistan not included
-Neglected, *Germplasm maintained, **Preliminary R & D, ***R & D established

30. R & D of underutilized crops at preliminary stage in Pakistan,
hence need to enhance the exploration and conservation.
Production technology and marketing for the benefit of farmers.
Networking and compilation of R & D work by individual
scientists.
Improving food fashions and habits with healthy food security.
In-situ and ex-situ conservation for underutilized crops.
Paradigm shift to make underutilized crops as fully utilized during
next decade.
Establishing regional crop specific multidisciplinary teams.
Quality control and value addition.
Conclusion

31. Acknowledgements
MNFS & R and PARC, Government of IRP
APAARI and Government of Thailand
Council of Agriculture (COA); AVRDC; ICRISAT; Crops for the
Future, ICARDA, Bioversity International
Farmers