Punjab Seed Council (PSC) has approved first ever Quinoa variety, a super food, titled Q7 developed by University of Agriculture Faisalabad scientists. The varsity was developed by UAF scientist Dr Shahzad Maqsood Basra and his team including Dr Irfan Afzal.

UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf said this at a Memorandum of Understanding ceremony signed between UAF and Shandong Normal University China (SDNU)to establish Quinoa Breeding Centre in both universities.

The MoU was duly signed by UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf and SDNU Vice President Huanbin Wang at meeting Room, UAF.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf said that the Quinoa is one of the world's most popular health foods. He said Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants. He said that it is new crop in our homeland.

In the MoU , adaptability trials of each other Quinoa germplasm will also be carried out. It was also agreed upon that faculty and students exchange programs would also be kicked off in the project. The scientific materials, publications, and other information will also be exchanged. SDNU will offer the PhD and post doc scholarships for the students of UAF in the field of agricultural sciences.