Govt using latest technology for food security

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a daylong workshop on Monday said that the government is introducing innovative technologies to ensure food security for its rapidly growing population at affordable prices.

The workshop on "Incorporating Agricultural Service Providers into Demonstration and Dissemination Activities in Rural Pakistan" was held at National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC).

"Focus of the government to ensure food security for its rapidly growing population at affordable prices, through technological innovations," said Member, Natural Resources Division, Dr. Nadeem Amjad while speaking on the occasion.

He said that Agriculture sector is viewed as an engine of growth for economy, so the government was involved in utilizing technological applications to enhance its produce.

He was of the view that technologies and innovations generated in research laboratories remain futile unless they are adopted by the farmers.

A number of innovative technologies could not reach the destiny of effective demonstration and dissemination in Pakistan.

He said that the government was strengthening private sector to help farmers use these technologies as was done in case of laser land leveling, tillage, high irrigation systems, quality seed, agro-chemicals and combine harvesting services.

However, the outreach of such services, throughout Pakistan is grossly inadequate and needs more attention he said

Adding development of private sector is also necessary for achieving and sustaining green and improved national economy especially under the challenges of population growth and climate change.

On the occasion, Dr. Abdul Majeed from International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas expressed the hope that the participants will get knowledge and share their ideas during the workshop as well as during field work.

Dr. Ajay Jha, Colorado State University said that an action plan would be finalized while Dr. Curtis Swift, USDA also spoke on the occasion and said that this workshop would provide an opportunity to share technical knowledge and experience.