AVN Report
ISLAMABAD: The 47th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) presided over by Caretaker Minister for National Food Security and Research, Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik, discussed ways and means to enhance the outreach of research and development efforts to farmers’ doorsteps.
The meeting was attended by official board members, including the federal secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, besides provincial members, who contributed their views on the issue.
In his remarks, Dr Kauser Abdullah praised the efforts of the research institute in modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector. He guided the PARC team, stressing the importance of maintaining their dedication while also strengthening their engagement with the farming and scientific communities.
PARC Chairman Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali gave an overview to the Board, highlighting recent initiatives in agricultural research and the progress made in addressing administrative challenges and resolving long standing financial liabilities dating back to 2013.
Dr Ali noted that the majority of these issues have been successfully resolved, with the budget allocated for high-tech agricultural research for the first time in PARC’s history.
He also updated the Board on newly initiated programs aimed at aligning research with modern scientific paradigms. These programs include genomics-based improvement of livestock breeds, smart agriculture practices, the application of CAD and CNC technologies in agricultural machinery design, and the certification of organic agriculture practices.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the participants to allocate all available resources towards advancing agricultural research and development in the country, highlighting the importance of innovation and modernization in ensuring the sustainability and growth of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
