Wheat wave
A Mexican wheat variety is bringing cheer to farmers in Uzbekistan. The winter wheat developed in Mexico was released to farmers in several provinces of Uzbekistan late last year.
The variety, called Dostlik, shows a yield advantage of 14 per cent over its local counterparts. Dostlik matures early, has a high degree of resistance to several diseases like yellow rust and uses water and nutrients efficiently. The variety is expected to substantially increase Uzbek farmers' yields and incomes.
Dostlik came to Uzbekistan via the International Winter Wheat Improvement Programme, which distributes wheat nurseries in the region, and its sister organisation, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. The highly adaptive Dostlik has already been introduced into Turkey and Afghanistan, and is currently undergoing tests in Tajikistan.
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