ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has developed over one hundred wheat varieties under its National Coordinated Research System.
In an interview with Radio Pakistan Chairman of the Council Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad said under the programme, new varieties of different crops are developed in coordination with the provinces and keeping in view specific climatic and soil conditions of different areas.
To a question, he said high yield varieties of rice, maize and oilseeds have also been developed. The Council is also working actively on research on hybrid seeds of different crops in cooperation with international organizations with a view to further enhancing the productivity.
He said PARC scientists have produced world's best hybrid seed for maize and rice. He said special varieties of rice have been developed for Sindh in view of the peculiar soil and climatic conditions.
He said palm oil cultivation has proved successful in coastal areas of the country. Small processing units are to be installed for processing of palm oil.
About tea, he said, some areas in Azad Kashmir, Kaghan, Swat and Mansehra are suitable for its cultivation but these are not enough to substitute tea import.
The Chairman said PARC has its own accredited laboratories to ensure quality of seeds and crops and the grain for export.
Responding to another question, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad said Pakistan is self-sufficient in Urea fertilizer but full utilization of the capacity demands required supply of gas to the plants.
He said the Council has recommended to the Government reduce duties on import of phosphate fertilizers as these too have an important role to play in increasing productivity of crops.
Ministry of Food Security and Research has also been approached to ensure reduction of duties on import of modern agricultural machinery and implements.
He emphasized the need for introduction of new harvesters as old technology harvesters result into almost 30% losses of grain.
The PARC Chairman said the Council is aware of the climatic change and challenges and has established a specialized Institute to take care of research in the field.
He said the Punjab Government has asked the Council to help formulate a strategy to meet the challenge of climatic change.
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