PM Shehbaz approves new NARC master plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday approved a new master plan for the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), aimed at restructuring the institution and aligning its research infrastructure with international standards.

While approving reforms at NARC, the prime minister directed that they be completed at the earliest and said that NARC and the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council should be made more active and aligned with international standards.

The meeting was briefed that NARC is being divided into seven districts to align it with international requirements.

Under the new master plan, facilities such as five Centres of Excellence, reference laboratories, bio-repositories, new research centres including a research park for the private sector, a centre for international cooperation, living laboratories, and a public discovery park will be established.

H1FY24 agri sector output rebounds

The PM said a comprehensive plan should be prepared for national-level estimates of crop production, with all stakeholders consulted.

The prime minister directed that a comprehensive system be developed for national-level crop estimates after consultation with all stakeholders.

The meeting was informed that progress on priority measures under the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27 has been accelerated. The program focuses on various sectors, including financial facilities for farmers, provision of agricultural machinery, modern technology and digitisation, increased research and capacity building, and food security.

The meeting was further informed that priority is also being given to the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector.

The meeting was also briefed on measures to promote organic agriculture for increasing national exports and rural incomes.

It was stated that work is rapidly underway on developing selected agricultural clusters in Balochistan, including cotton and dates, as pilot areas for organic production; formulating a national organic policy and standards; introducing group certification; and establishing a digital traceability system.