CRISPR-BASED CROP ENHANCEMENT FOR CLIMATE-RESILIENT WHEAT PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a major threat to sustainable wheat production in Pakistan due to increasing temperatures, drought, salinity, water scarcity, and climate-induced plant diseases. Conventional wheat breeding approaches are often insufficient to address rapidly evolving environmental stresses, thereby creating the need for advanced and precise crop improvement technologies. This study examined the potential of CRISPR-based genome-editing technology for enhancing climate-resilient wheat production in Pakistan. The research adopted a quantitative and explanatory research design using a cross-sectional survey approach. Data were collected from 300 respondents, including agricultural researchers, wheat breeders, extension officers, policymakers, and progressive farmers from major wheat-producing regions of Pakistan. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that CRISPR/Cas genom