Agri and livestock sectors: MNFS&R urged to ensure effective federal-provinces coordination
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary body on Monday urged the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to ensure effective coordination between federal and provincial governments in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, noted that although agriculture is a devolved subject under the 18th constitutional amendment, collaboration between the federation and provinces is essential for the sector’s development.
The committee meeting, which was held at the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC), reviewed the latest research conducted by scientists of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) and NARC regarding newly evolved seed varieties and assessed the progress of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), with particular emphasis on the livestock sector.
NARC officials briefed the committee on the operations of scientific laboratories and research institutions. At the Land Resource Research Institute, they highlighted initiatives on bio-fertilizers and farmer training programmes aimed at enabling independent production of bio-fertilizers. The committee members emphasized the need for better distribution networks and awareness campaigns.
The committee also visited research laboratories, research institutions, Speed Breeding Facilities, and experimental fields where newly developed seed varieties were sown on a trial basis. The members of the committee raised the matter related to the gap between farmers and research outcomes, particularly in crop zoning and on-ground soil testing, stressing that farmers must directly benefit from modern research and technology.
The committee directed MNFS&R Secretary Amir Mohyuddin and PARC Chairman Dr Murtaza Hassan Andrabi to take concrete measures to bridge the gap between research, technology, and farmers to enhance crop yields.
A comprehensive briefing was given on the functions, mandate, and working of the PARC and NARC. The committee was informed that due to strict monitoring mechanisms of PARC and NARC, Pakistan has not faced any major wheat or rice crop failure caused by diseases such as yellow rust. It was further apprised that approximately 1,500 wheat lines and 500 rice lines are regularly monitored under the Crop Diseases Research Institute (CDRI) to prevent the spread of crop diseases.
The committee directed PARC to focus on promoting smart agricultural practices and developing climate-resilient seed varieties.
The committee raised questions regarding donkey farming initiatives for meat and skin exports and pointed out the lack of organized efforts to develop this sector.
Emphasizing the promotion of smart agriculture, fisheries development, and bridging the gap between research and farmers, the Chairman directed the concerned authorities to intensify efforts towards national development and economic strengthening through agricultural and livestock research and development.
Senators Poonjo Bheel, Senator Rahat Jamali, and senior officials of MNFS&R also attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025