Pakistan: Govt to fund technical research projects for agro-sector

The Government of Punjab has plans to finance Rs1 billion for adopting modern scientific technologies in agriculture to attain self sufficiency.
The main challenge facing the Government is of obtaining maximum yield of crop, especially cotton, with minimum input for which agricultural resources, particularly fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, farm mechanization and plant protection needs to be given an impetus. More so because agriculture stands as one of the primary sector of the country on which the economy shows dependence.
So far, 161 research proposals have been received from national and international agriculture research institutions for optimizing the resources.
With regard to this Dr Mubarak Ali, CEO of Punjab Agriculture Research Board (PARB) told Fibre2fashion, “The research proposals are sought on high priority research areas through advertisement. These areas are identified through the consultation of various stake holders by the Planning Division of PARB. Any scientist from any national or provincial institute with in the country or abroad can apply for the research funds. The multi-institute and multi-disciplinary research proposals to resolve various issues of agricultural stake holders will be given priorities. Significant incentives will be provided to the scientists who can deliver the expected results.”
Mr Mubarak also stated that these research proposals are being evaluated by the Technical Working Group (TWGs) on competitive basis and implementation of the projects will be monitored by the Monitoring and Evaluation Division of PARB.
Once in operation, the technology will completely revolutionize the agricultural sector of Pakistan and in case of surplus, it will indirectly boosting exports and earning substantial revenues for the country in general and for the farmers in particular.