LAHORE: The Punjab government has constituted a task force to enhance coordination between academia and research institutions and to develop a joint strategy aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.
The task force will submit its recommendations within 15 days which will then be forwarded to the Chief Minister of Punjab for approval. Members of the task force will maintain their individual identities while fostering greater collaboration and promoting research. Additionally, coordination with the private sector and international institutions will also be ensured.
The formation of the task force was ordered by Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, during a meeting held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The meeting was attended by UAF Vice Chancellor Zulfiqar Ali, Chairman of the National Seed Authority Dr Asif Ali, Chief Executive of PARB Dr Abid Mahmood, Consultant to the Punjab Agriculture Department Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali, along with agricultural experts and researchers.
Addressing the meeting, the secretary of Agriculture emphasised that in order to modernise the agriculture sector all stakeholders must adopt a joint strategy. He noted that stronger coordination between academia and research institutions would yield better outcomes.
He added that the government is generously allocating resources to revive the agriculture sector, and a consultative session has already been held with all relevant stakeholders in this regard. He further stressed that practical measures grounded in modern research are essential to boost agricultural productivity.
Highlighting cotton production as a major challenge, he underscored the need for a long-term policy. The secretary also pointed out the urgent requirement to introduce superior germplasm, develop new climate-resilient varieties, and ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025