19/06/2026
The Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute (ABRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, proudly celebrates another significant milestone under the ADP Project "Revamping of Agricultural Research in Punjab." As part of the project's vision to strengthen scientific capacity and accelerate the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, five young scientists have successfully completed a One-Month Local Training on Genomics at the Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). This capacity-building initiative reflects the Government of Punjab's commitment to developing a highly skilled scientific workforce capable of driving innovation and excellence in agricultural research.
The scientists who successfully completed the training are:
1. Ms. Sana-e-Mustafa – Scientific Officer, Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku
2. Ms. Samia Fatima – Scientific Officer, Maize Research Station, Faisalabad
3. Mr. Zulkaif Maqsood – Scientific Officer, Pulses Research Institute, Faisalabad
4. Ms. Javeria Ashiq – Scientific Officer, Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad
5. Ms. Tayyaba Razaq – Scientific Officer, Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad
During this intensive training programme, the participants acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in Genomics, Molecular Biology, DNA Marker Technologies, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Bioinformatics, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), Genomic Selection, Marker-Assisted Breeding, and advanced genomic data analysis. These competencies will enable them to integrate modern genomic tools into crop improvement programmes, accelerating the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient, disease-resistant, and nutritionally enriched crop varieties. The training will also strengthen the implementation of molecular breeding, precision agriculture, genomic-assisted selection, and New Breeding Technologies (NBTs) across Punjab's agricultural research institutes, ultimately contributing to enhanced food security and sustainable agricultural development.
On this occasion, Dr. Shakra Jamil, Chief Scientist, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute (ABRI), Faisalabad, and Drawing & Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the ADP Project, extended her heartfelt congratulations to all the participants on the successful completion of their training and conveyed her best wishes for their future scientific endeavors. She appreciated their dedication, commitment to learning, and enthusiasm for embracing emerging technologies, expressing confidence that these scientists will become key contributors to the modernization of agricultural research in Punjab.
Dr. Shakra Jamil further emphasized that the ADP Project "Revamping of Agricultural Research in Punjab" is far more than an infrastructure development initiative. It represents a transformative vision to modernize Punjab's agricultural research system through investment in state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and, most importantly, highly skilled human resources. Under this initiative, ABRI is striving to uplift the research standards of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) by transitioning from conventional breeding programmes to a data-driven, technology-enabled research organization, integrating Genomics, Bioinformatics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics, High-Throughput Phenotyping, Digital Agriculture, and New Breeding Technologies (NBTs) into crop improvement programmes. This strategic transformation will accelerate genetic gains, improve research efficiency, and position AARI as a leading center of excellence in modern agricultural research.
The successful completion of this training marks another important milestone towards realizing the vision of establishing Punjab as a hub of scientific innovation and agricultural excellence. By investing in the professional development of young scientists, the ADP Project is building a future-ready research ecosystem capable of addressing the challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable agricultural productivity.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, for successfully organizing this specialized training programme. Special thanks are due to Prof. Dr. Bushra Sadia, Director, CABB, and Prof. Dr. Faisal Saeed Awan for their outstanding leadership, academic guidance, and unwavering support in providing high-quality training to our scientists. Their valuable contributions have played a vital role in strengthening genomics capacity within Punjab's agricultural research system.
Congratulations once again to all the participants. We wish them continued success as they contribute towards building a modern, innovative, and globally competitive agricultural research system for Pakistan.
