RAWALPINDI: Latest agricultural research must reach the farmers so that their production cost is reduced and country’s agricultural production can increase.
Research Institutions have to play a constructive role for better output. There is a need for commercial scale implementation of agricultural projects which will not only increase the profits of the farmers but also meet the demand of the people to stabilize the prices of agricultural commodities.
These views were expressed by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhr Imam while presiding over a performance review meeting at Ayub Agriculture Research Institute.
Chief Scientist Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Dr. Akhtar briefed Federal Minister that Pakistan is fourth in the world in terms of sugarcane production. 5th largest producer of cotton, 6th largest producer of mango and guava, 7th largest producer of wheat and 10th largest producer of rice.
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute has introduced 659 varieties of different crops for general cultivation including 90 varieties of wheat, 58 of cotton, 32 of pulses and more than 28 varieties of sugarcane. This research institute has also ISO certified Labs where sampling are also checked.
He disclosed that 3 percent pesticides and 3 percent fertilizer samples have been found unfit. On the occasion, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research said that the purpose of his visit was to test the quality of research.
The minister said the scientists of the institute deserve congratulations on their performance. He said government would strive to increase the production of five major crops (wheat, cotton, maize, sugarcane and rice) at the federal level in collaboration with these institutes.
A comprehensive policy should be formulated in this regard. Wheat is cultivated at 37% in terms of area. After wheat, the second most important crop is cotton, the production of which has improved after many years. Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced 5thousand per mond cotton Price for farmers he added.
The meeting was attended by Chief Scientist Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Chief Executive PARB Dr. Abid Mahmood, Deputy Director Research Information Dr. Asif Ali and other agricultural scientists and media representatives.
