Islamabad(9th August 2018…….):- Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) organized an inauguration ceremony of Monsoon Tree Plantation-2018 at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). Dr. Yusuf Zafar T.I., Chairman, PARC inaugurated the Monsoon Plantation by Planting a Tree at NARC.

While sharing the views on the occasion, Dr. Yusuf Zafar T.I., Chairman, PARC emphasized the importance of plantation by saying that all the Scientists, Researchers, and Internees of PARC / NARC should take part in the Monsoon Tree Plantation campaign. He further expressed that our forests are unique under diverse ecological systems that provide timbre & fuelwood and also provide environmental & ecological services such as water regulation, soil fertility regulation and habitat for biodiversity. He said that plantation is not only necessary for the provision of ecosystem services but also as a mitigation and adaptation measures to counter the negative impacts of climate change. It is also very important to increase the survival rate of plants through protection and care.

Dr. Yusuf Zafar T.I., further added that the tree plantation campaigns are frequently conducted to highlight the important role of forests in the improvement of the environment and poverty alleviation. He also urged the people to plant the maximum number of trees in this campaign to make it successful.

source: http://www.parc.gov.pk/index.php/en/component/content/article/168-parc-flash-news-2018/1521-pakistan-agricultural-research-council-parc-inaugurates-monsoon-tree-plantation-2018-at-national-agricultural-research-centre-narc

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

Islamabad, (September 26, 2018)….   The annual review – 2018 of Wheat Planning & Wheat Productivity Enhancement Program (WPEP) held at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad on 26-09-2018. Addressing to the occasion, Dr. Yusuf Zafar T.I., Chairman, PARC said that Agriculture is the largest sector of our country. One-third of our population is directly in-touched with this sector. Agriculture is the backbone of our country’s economy. He further added that over the past four decades, increased wheat productivity occurred largely due to the deployment of high-yielding cultivars and increased fertilizer use. The cropping system of Pakistan represents the diverse and varying agro-ecological conditions. This diversity, along with its advantages, is also posing a challenge to wheat researchers to make this crop not only competitive but also profitable. He added that Wheat, Pakistan’s most important crop, is in the spotlight at National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad. This event will help us to re-organize and strengthen our efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition by enhancing the productivity through disseminating innovative and knowledge-based technologies. This will also improve the livelihoods of the farming communities. Dr. Yusuf also shared that we have certain challenges. The number of breeders is reducing and must initiate our breeding program and bring some good projects for Wheat. He also urged the scientists to must go out in the field.

Mr. Casey Bean, USDA Agriculture Counselor, while addressing to the participants said that USDA is very keen upon the development of agriculture sector and is taking various steps to enhance production of agriculture sector in Pakistan. Our organization is very much focusing on farmer’s livelihood uplift. He was very pleased to know that Wheat Scientists from across Pakistan are gathered here in the Wheat Planning Meeting. Agricultural Scientists are direly needed to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise which will provide important insights on strengthening national research coordination system. He also said that this will surely serve as a platform for exchanging information, discussing opportunities and challenges and planning joint ventures to address the emerging and re-emerging threats to wheat crop and the food security in Pakistan.

Dr. Anjum Ali, Member (Plant Sciences), PARC said at this occasion that we have to work very hard to implement new technology-based research results in our fields. We have to take serious steps towards knowledge-based research and should provide all basic needs to achieve our goals. He said that I hope that by sharing knowledge and experience fruitful outcomes will be achieved from this event. Out future of food security and economic growth depends on scientific innovation and strong linkages, both nationally and internationally. WEP’s goal is to protect and enhance wheat productivity, with particular attention to wheat rusts.

The CIMMYT- CR said that because a wheat-rust epidemic would threaten Pakistan’s food security, USDA is supporting efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s wheat-rust surveillance efforts, enhance collaboration with international researchers, and improving breeding methods and testing. Wheat Productivity Enhancement Program (WPEP) supported our national efforts to enhance the sustained productivity of wheat through the application of science. Through this event, Wheat Scientists will have comprehensive deliberations and come up with a multidimensional plan to boost wheat productivity in the country. Dr. Nadeem Amjad, DG, Agriculture Eng. Division (AED), PARC paid vote of thanks to all the participants of the program.

Source: http://www.parc.gov.pk/index.php/en/component/content/article/168-parc-flash-news-2018/1535-increased-wheat-productivity-due-to-high-yielding-cultivars-and-increased-fertilizer-use-dr-yusuf-zafar-t-i-chairman-parc