FAISALABAD – Chief Scientist at the Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad, Dr Javed Ahmad has announced a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s agricultural sector: the successful development of local soybean varieties capable of withstanding temperatures up to 45°C. This innovation is expected to save the country nearly $1 billion annually in soybean imports. Speaking at the National Soybean Day ceremony held at AARI, Dr Ahmad highlighted that Pakistan currently imports around 2 million tons of soybeans each year—primarily from the United States, Brazil, and Australia—to meet the demands of its poultry and livestock sectors. These imports significantly strain the national economy and foreign exchange reserves.
“The locally developed soybean varieties are not only heat-tolerant but also high-yielding. Their adoption will reduce import dependency, boost local production, and contribute to long-term economic stability,” Dr. Ahmad said. He emphasized that increased per-acre yields through these climate-resilient crops would be pivotal in strengthening the national economy. Dr. Ahmad also noted that under CPEC Phase-II, Pakistan is deepening its cooperation with China in agriculture and industry. This collaboration aims to boost crop productivity, enhance livestock and fisheries sectors, and expand exports—ultimately increasing farmer incomes.
Hafiz Saad bin Mustafa, an oilseed expert, pointed out that with Pakistan’s population growing by over 4.5 million people annually, food security—especially in milk and meat—faces mounting pressure. He stressed that soybeans, being a high-protein feed crop, offer a strategic solution. “AARI scientists have also introduced other high-value feed crops, including maize, camelina, and sunflower, alongside soybean,” he added. Dr Muzaffar Hussain and Dr. Zaheer Ahmed explained that while soybean typically requires about 30°C for optimal growth in developed countries, Pakistani researchers have successfully developed varieties that yield well even in 40°C to 45°C conditions. They shared that farmers could achieve yields of 35 to 40 maunds per acre by adopting the latest production technologies across two cropping seasons—spring and autumn—both of which are already in progress. Speakers at the event highlighted the potential for value addition, citing growing demand for soy-based products like soy milk and plant-based dishes, which add commercial appeal to the crop. The experts urged solvent extraction and poultry feed industries to ensure fair pricing for locally grown soybean, comparable to rates offered for maize.
This, they said, would enable Pakistan to achieve soybean self-sufficiency within two to three years, with potential to export surplus to countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and those in the Gulf and Middle East.
Fouzia Aslam, Chief Manager of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Faisalabad, informed attendees that commercial banks—under the SBP umbrella—are actively financing billions of rupees in agricultural projects aimed at uplifting rural communities and smallholder farmers.
Representatives of the solvent and poultry sectors present at the ceremony committed to direct procurement of local soybean from farmers to support domestic production.
In a significant development, all stakeholders unanimously nominated Dr. Khalid Mehmood Shouq as the national focal person for soybean promotion in Pakistan.
The event concluded with the distribution of souvenirs and certificates, followed by a group photo session.
The ceremony was attended by scientists from AARI, Oilseed Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), NIAB, university professors, State Bank officials, exporters, industry stakeholders, and progressive farmers. Participants collectively stressed the importance of a public-private partnership roadmap to promote soybean cultivation, ensure fair pricing, and enhance the crop’s role in Pakistan’s agricultural future.
