Pakistan’s agri-R&D funding lowest in South Asia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has the lowest allocation for agriculture Research and Development (R&D) among the South Asian nations, allocating just 0.12 percent of its agricultural GDP.

With the lowest spending among the SAARC countries, Islamabad is also facing challenges in securing international grants for this sector, noted the Senate Standing Committee on Food Security and Research on Wednesday.

The panel conducted an on-site visit to the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) to assess its operations and performance. The committee members toured various scientific laboratories and received briefings from the NARC chairman.

The committee also noted the need for an extension in NARC’s land lease by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which has not been renewed since 2005, hindering research infrastructure development. The chairman also provided insights into the historical evolution of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), its establishment as the National Food Security and Research Division, and its collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to enhance agricultural productivity.

Committee members were briefed on the governance structure of NARC and financial details. The budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 was Rs6.575 billion, with Rs1.062 billion allocated for operational expenses and Rs5.512 billion for establishment costs. PARC/NARC employs 2,135 staff members, including 544 scientists and 435 para-scientific staff. The committee reviewed research achievements, including advancements in plant genetics and development of new varieties and hybrids. Financial updates since 2013 highlighted a research budget increase to Rs300 million in 2023-24, an educational stipend increase to Rs1.135 million, and a direct pension credit system raised to Rs7 million for 44 widows. Total liabilities cleared amounted to Rs989 million.