As farmers increasingly plant modern varieties of wheat, traditional wheat landraces are in decline. Yet the genetic diversity found in these hardy traditional varieties could be crucial for the future of wheat production.

A new series of publications from FAO introduces wheat landraces in the Central Asia sub region, starting with Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. The experts visited farms across the three countries, talked with farmers, and surveyed the wheat varieties being grown.

The publications unravel an elaborate list of local wheat varieties with detailed information about where, why, how and under what conditions farmers continue to grow them. The research also delves into the trends that affect cultivation of local varieties – from socio-economic, geographic and agronomic perspectives. Also included is a set of recommendations for decision-makers for preserving genetic diversity.