LAHORE: The Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) has approved oilseed and soybean project worth around Rs 100 billion to reduce the oil import bill and increasing the income of farmers which will ultimately strengthen the country’s economy.
Pakistan has exported more than Rs 75 billion of sesame during the current financial year and it is possible to increase further and agricultural scientists and farmers deserve to be congratulated for this spectacular achievement.
These views were expressed by Chief Scientist Department of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (Wheat Department) Dr Javed Ahmed while addressing the participants of a one-day training seminar organised by the Department of Oilseeds.
He added that China-Pakistan cooperation was being strengthened for the development of the agricultural sector which will promote the export of fisheries and fruits, including agriculture and livestock. New employment opportunities will be provided for the rural population of Pakistan including farmers.
On this occasion, Project Director Foundation Seed Cell Dr Aziz-ur-Rehman said that due to the efforts of agricultural scientists, it has been possible to provide certified seed to the farmers. The promotion of certified seed has increased the production of various crops including oil seed.
Chief Scientist, Department of Oilseeds Dr Muhammad Riaz informed the participants that the institute has so far introduced more than 40 new varieties of mustard, canola and raya and provided pre-basic seeds to more than 50 private seed companies besides Punjab Seed Corporation.
Agricultural scientist Hafiz Saad bin Mustafa informed the participants that 4.5 million people are increasing every year in Pakistan, it has become a challenge for agricultural scientists to meet the food needs of the rapidly growing country’s population on time.
Keeping in view climate change and the current country’s economy, increasing agricultural production is the need of the hour. In order to achieve food security, the sector is working day and night to save valuable foreign exchange in the form of edible oil.
The one-day seminar was attended by a large number of agricultural scientists, academia, private seed companies and farmers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023