ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) has prepared a comprehensive action plan to launch a promotional campaign for oilseeds cultivation in Pothowar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions during Rabi 2014- 15.
The plan has been prepared with the consultation of national partners Pakistan Oilseed Development Board (PODB), National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) and Provincial Agriculture Research and Extension Departments.
According to the plan, canola hybrid seed will be provided to farmers on 25 % (Rs. 300/- per kg) of the price of imported seed and they would also be provided seed drills designed especially for canola for planting seed in optimum depth and moisture to achieve optimum plant stand and higher production.
According to the plan, PARC Scientists and field staff of PODB, NRSP and Provincial Agriculture Research and Extension Departments will provide technical guidance to farmers in planting and better crop management.
The plan also envisages facilitating farmers in mechanized harvesting and threshing through inviting private service providers in the area while canola growers will be helped in marketing of canola produce on premium price through policy interventions and solvent industry.
As many as 15,000 - 20,000 acres of land would be cultivated during coming Rabi Season 2014-15 in these regions, according to the plan.
"PARC has been making continuous efforts to promote oilseed cultivation to enhancing domestic production keeping in view the chronic deficiency of edible oil and huge amount of import bills," said Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed in his message.
The oilseed cultivation plan was finalized during a high-level meeting at PARC headquarters which was presided over by Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, DG National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) .
Among others, Syed Muhammad Nasir Ali, Managing Director, Pakistan Oilseeds Development Board (PODB) and Malik Fateh Khan, Regional Manager, National Rural Support Program (NRSP), Dr. M Ayub Khan, Program Leader (Oliseeds) and other PARC senior scientists participated in the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, the experts said that traditional rapeseed mustard (Sarsun and Raya) were being cultivated in Pakistan since centuries, therefore, there is a strong need to create awareness among farmers for planting of canola type rapeseed, its advantages and contribution in reducing burden on country's economy.
Dr. M Azeem Khan DG NARC emphasized the need of collective efforts of all stakeholders in promoting canola cultivation, increasing domestic edible oil production, reducing import bill and saving hard earned foreign exchange.
Syed Nasir Ali, MD PODB, Malik Fateh Khan, Regional Manager NRSP and Representatives of Provincial Agriculture Research and Extension Departments assured their support for an important national cause.
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