Agricultural scientists asked to discover new crop varieties

LAHORE:The future of agriculture is directly linked with the enhanced productivity of cotton, wheat, and high-value agriculture — especially oilseed crops, vegetables, and fruits.

Agricultural scientists should conduct research focused on discovering new, resilient crop varieties that can increase yield and help to reduce the country’s import bill. These remarks were made by the Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Punjab, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, while presiding over the 50th meeting of the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) at Agriculture House, here.

The meeting was attended by MPA Ch Javed Ahmad and Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, while MPA Rana Muhammad Saleem joined via a video link. On this occasion, PARB Chief Executive Dr Abid Mahmood briefed the minister on the meeting agenda. A total of 25 projects were presented for approval, out of which 22 were approved. These included projects related to cotton, wheat, rice, maize, canola, oilseeds, high-value agriculture, vegetables, and other crops. Additionally, one project each from the livestock and forestry sectors was also approved. The chief executive also provided an institutional briefing to the minister.

Syed Ashiq Kirmani emphasised that agricultural scientists would be sent abroad for training and that partnerships with international research organisations would be strengthened to facilitate the discovery of new crop varieties through advanced agricultural research. He added that all PARB projects must undergo a comprehensive impact analysis to assess their effectiveness and potential contribution to agricultural development.

Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, stated that all agricultural scientists should submit short-term reform plans for their respective sub-sectors to help in improving the direction of agricultural research. He also instructed the PARB chief executive to expedite the recruitment process for vacant positions within the organisation.

The meeting was also attended by Additional Secretary Livestock Dr Usman Tahir, Director General Agricultural Information Punjab Naveed Asmat Kahloon, and board members from the Forest Department, Planning & Development Board, and Finance Department.