Minister Sikandar Bosan stresses dissemination of latest agricultural research for higher agricultural productivity

Islamabad, April 15, 2014 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, stressed on mass dissemination of latest agriculture research results and innovations across the agricultural area of the country for attaining higher yields in order to make agriculture a profitable business and to ensure future food security.

The Federal Minister said this while addressing a gathering of scientists, farmers and young researchers. Addressing workshop on “Research Innovations for Food Security and Prosperity” here at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) auditorium, Islamabad, the Federal Minister said that presently agriculture sector was facing certain challenges which required immediate and focused attention both at research and policy level.

The minister emphasized on taking a holistic approach toward agricultural growth through science based solutions for more profitable farming, high productivity of major farming systems, diversification of high value crops and demand based production.

The minister also said that investment in agricultural research yielded much higher returns than investment in any other agriculture area. In this regard, the present government was taking various initiatives to accelerate agricultural growth and promote investment in agricultural research, added the minister.

It is to be noted that RADP is a PSDP mega project of PARC. The project was launched to carry out research activities in different areas of agriculture to address emerging issues of agricultural development, strengthen the research infrastructure and human resource development.

Sarfaraz Ahmad, Project Director of RADP, while speaking on the occasion, apprised that under RADP so far 86 projects have been completed in areas of crop sciences, animal sciences, social sciences and natural resources. Moreover, more than 2100 people have also been trained under 75 training courses launched under RADP.

During the course of workshop, some farmers also shared their experiences of attaining higher growth by using innovative techniques in collaboration with PARC. The Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of PARC for undertaking various research initiatives for the benefit of farmers and agriculture sector.

Secretary MNFSR Seerat Asghar, Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Dr. Ifitkhar Ahmad, Joint Secretary MNFSR Saleem Sadiq and other high officials of MNFSR were also present.

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