Key Highlight
- Punjab scientists have produced a potato variety that can handle smog.
- The variety, called Ijaz-22, was developed in Sahiwal.
- Smog has been hurting potato yields across eastern Punjab.
- More smog-tolerant potato lines are now under testing.
Scientists in Pakistan’s Punjab province have created a potato variety that can tolerate smog, offering hope to farmers facing heavy air pollution each winter. The variety, known as Ijaz-22, was developed at the Potato Research Institute in Sahiwal and is designed to cope with poor air quality that has been affecting crop yields.
Smog hurting crops each winter
Every winter, cities across eastern Punjab rank among the world’s most polluted due to thick smog. This air pollution does not only affect health but also harms farming. Long exposure to smog weakens crops, slows growth and makes plants more open to pests and disease. Potato crops are among those most affected.
Poor air quality also delays harvests and lowers tuber quality. Scientists say smog blocks sunlight, which reduces photosynthesis and weakens plant growth. Over time, this leads to falling output and rising risks for farmers.
New variety shows strong results
Scientists at the Potato Research Institute in Sahiwal have been working on potato lines that can handle fog and smog. According to the institute’s director, Dr. Syed Ijazul Hassan, Ijaz-22 has shown strong tolerance during smoggy conditions in Punjab.
He said the institute has already created 12 potato varieties that can tolerate fog and give good yields. The current focus is now on testing and improving lines that can survive smog, which has become a growing problem in recent years.
Also read: Aeroponics vs Traditional Potato Farming: Costs, Yields & Benefits
Climate and disease pressures remain
Dr. Hassan said smog is not the only challenge facing potato growers. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall and less available water are also affecting production. These factors weaken crops and increase disease risks.
He explained that smog supports the spread of diseases such as blight and lowers overall tuber quality. Other common potato diseases in Punjab include leafroll virus, mosaic virus, early blight, brown leaf spot, common scab and black leg.
To reduce losses, he called for better pest control planning and farming practices that protect soil and plant health.
Seed supply and export hopes
This year, the institute produced 60 tons of potato seed, with 4.55 tons shared with farmers. Grower groups say Pakistan has strong export potential, with potatoes already shipped to many countries. China is seen as a key market during the January to April export season.
With smog becoming a yearly threat, smog-tolerant potato varieties like Ijaz-22 may help protect farmer incomes and food supply. Scientists say more work is underway to support growers facing tougher growing conditions.
Source: Arab News
Image credit: Yen Vu on Unsplash
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