Islamabad (26^th September 2018)….. Pakistan and China pledged to work together on increasing per acre productivity through the promotion of quality hybrid rice for increasing farm profitability and generation of extra surpluses to increase rice exports.

International Training course on Hybrid Rice Technology in Pakistan has been organized by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co. Ltd. China. It will help to understand exact hybrid seed requirements of Pakistan for different regions and showcase the best hybrid rice varieties in addition to enhancing the technical know-how of Pakistani field professionals from all over Pakistan. Veteran rice scientists from China will be the trainers during this training course.

Dr. Yusuf Zafar T.I. inaugurated the opening session of this activity at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Islamabad. Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Guest highlighted the farmers’ friendly initiatives of the Government and appreciated Chinese support to improve rice productivity in Pakistan. He further added that this attempt will change the fate of rice farmers with respect to productivity and profitability.  Dr. Hamyun Javed, Senior Joint Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security& Research, Islamabad appreciated this linkage for the best of rice sector in Pakistan and emphasized on the resolve of present Government to introduce farmers friendly initiatives to transform agriculture like Hybrid Rice inclusion program in Pakistan.

Dr. Wang Zhihua, Commercial Counselor China embassy exhibited his full support and commitment for the betterment of Agriculture sector in Pakistan. Mr. Tian Yongjiu, Assistant President, Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co., Ltd. China, also ensured full collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between PARC and the company.

Dr. Muhammad Anjum Ali, Member Plant Sciences Division, PARC while addressing to the participants said that under the program, Pakistani and Chinese Scientists will work together to study rice hybrids behavior in different regions, identify field problems and also met the research and extension experts and farmers for discussion to inculcate characters suitable for each region to achieve the desired results. Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Director General, NARC also spoke to the occasion and said that the active participation of all the trainers will set the new dimension for future of rice crop in Pakistan.

source: http://www.parc.gov.pk/index.php/en/component/content/article/122-news-flash/1534-pakistan-and-china-pledged-to-work-together-on-increasing-per-acre-productivity-through-promotion-of-quality-hybrid-rice-for-increasing-farm-profitability-and-generation-of-extra-surpluses-to-increase-rice-exports-dr-yusuf-zafar-t-i-chairman-parc