Research Seminar: Oilseed Breeding, Food Science and Product Development in Pakistan

Date: Tuesday, 08 September; 11-12,  SARDI Auditorium

Research Seminar: Oilseed Breeding, Food Science and Product Development in Pakistan

Presenters:

• Dr Hafiz Saad Bin Mustafa, Oilseeds Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan
• Dr Zaheer Ahmed, Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan
• Dr Ahmad Din, National Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFSAT), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan

Date: Tuesday, 8 September, 11:00 am
Venue: SARDI Plant Research Centre Auditorium

About the seminar:
This seminar will feature three presentations (15 min each) providing snapshots of the research programs led by these scientists at AARI and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The presentations will cover a broad range of topics, from the genetics and breeding of oilseed crops to food additives, processing and product development in Pakistan.

Dr Hafiz Saad Bin Mustafa

Abstract: Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, is Pakistan’s largest multidisciplinary agricultural research organization, comprising 26 research institutes and 85 research stations across diverse agro-ecological zones. AARI conducts research on more than 50 field crops, vegetables, fruits, and allied agricultural disciplines, with a strong focus on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and resource-efficient production technologies. Since its establishment, the institute has developed more than 714 crop varieties, many of which are widely cultivated across Pakistan, making a significant contribution to national food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development. This presentation highlights AARI’s research portfolio, major achievements in crop improvement, biotechnology, natural resource management, and agricultural innovation, while outlining opportunities for international collaboration in germplasm exchange, joint research, capacity building, student and scientist exchange, and technology transfer. The presentation aims to foster long-term strategic partnerships between AARI and Australian universities and research organizations to address shared agricultural challenges under changing climatic conditions.

Biography: Hafiz Saad Bin Mustafa is a Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding & Genetics) at the Oilseeds Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan. He has over 15 years of experience in oilseed crop improvement, specializing in canola, mustard, soybean, sesame, sunflower, linseed, and camelina. His research focuses on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and stress-tolerant cultivars. He has contributed to the development of 22 improved oilseed varieties, authored more than 75 scientific publications, and successfully led and participated in several nationally funded research projects. He has established research collaborations with leading institutions in Australia, China, Indonesia, Iran, the Middle East, and Central Asia, promoting germplasm exchange, capacity building, and joint agricultural research. He currently leads soybean improvement and diversification research at AARI, with particular emphasis on climate adaptation and enhancing Pakistan’s edible oil security. He is also convener of AARI External Linkages Cell.

Dr Zaheer Ahmed

Abstract: Dr. Zaheer Ahmed is Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics and Biotechnology Chair at the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CAS-AFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and Scientific Director of the Soybean Genetics and Seed Supply Chain Center (SGSSCC). His research integrates plant breeding, molecular genetics, biotechnology, genome editing, and modern breeding technologies to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding, and widely adapted crop germplasm.

Dr. Ahmed leads a comprehensive soybean improvement program in Pakistan and has screened, characterized, and evaluated more than 5,000 soybean accessions across 17 locations, leading to the development of heat-tolerant (>45°C), salinity- and drought-tolerant, short-duration, determinate, photoperiod-insensitive, and high-yielding germplasm. His program has produced multiple registered soybean lines, with elite materials progressing through national yield trials, while supporting soybean expansion through farmer demonstrations, seed-system development, farmer–industry linkages, and policy engagement.

His broader expertise encompasses conventional and molecular breeding, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, genomic selection, functional genomics, bioinformatics, germplasm conservation, and climate-smart agriculture. He is also developing GM and genome-edited germplasm in soybean, potato, tomato, and chili.

Dr. Ahmed received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Guelph, Canada, followed by an NSERC-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He has extensive academic, research, technology-development, and international collaboration experience and is a member of the Missouri Soybean Center at the University of Missouri. His achievements include the Green Technology Award (2025), numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications, and the development of innovative crop germplasm and breeding technologies.

Dr Ahmad Din

Abstract: Some introductions of Dr. Ahmad Din and the National Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFSAT), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan including international linkages. The ongoing research projects and completed R&D work as key achievements on food value addition, postharvest management, food processing, product development, and the translation of research into practical applications (commercialization) for Pakistan’s food sector. Contribution of Dr. Ahmad Din for the supervision and mentoring of MPhil and PhD scholars, facilitating research on innovative food products, processing technologies, nutritional quality, functional ingredients, and value-added food systems. Looking ahead, significant opportunities exist for collaborative research with national and international universities, research organizations, food industries, and development partners in areas including advanced postharvest technologies, sustainable processing, functional foods, food loss reduction, commercialization, and joint postgraduate research. International collaboration, including potential partnerships with related stakeholders, for promotion of joint publications, technology development, researcher mobility, student training, and long-term academic–industry partnerships.

Keywords: Fruits and Vegetables; Value Addition Projects; Postharvest Technology; MPhil & PhD Students    Projects; Future Collaboration Opportunities