Submitter: ICARDA
ICARDA's durum wheat lines are tolerant to extreme drought and heat stress, achieving yields of up to 3.5 tonnes/ha under restricted irrigation. These varieties offer potential to double farmer incomes in dry regions such as Bundelkhand (India). They also provide high nutritional value — rich in protein, vitamins A, B, and E, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and fiber. Examples of recent successful varieties include Kareem (Iran), Margherita and Zagharin 2 (Lebanon & Ethiopia), and Rabbal (Jordan).
Ideal for arid and semi-arid zones including India, Pakistan, Morocco, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Turkey, Mauritania, Senegal, and Kazakhstan.
ICARDA varieties have delivered 20–30% higher yields compared to traditional ones (up to 6 t/ha irrigated, 3.5 t/ha rainfed). In India, especially in UP’s Banda district (under the One District One Product initiative), farmers have seen doubled incomes. Widely adopted in Morocco, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, and more.
Durum wheat yields 5% more than bread wheat under restricted irrigation. Climate resilient and highly adaptable. Scaling requires investment in quality seed multiplication, training, extension services, and value chain development.
