News Detail
Event Title: Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee On National Food Security And Research presiding over a meeting of the committee at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad.
Event Date: 2025-12-15
The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research met under the Chairmanship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan to review the latest research undertaken by scientists of PARC/NARC regarding newly evolved seed varieties and to assess the progress of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), with particular emphasis on the livestock sector. The meeting was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and Senator Rahat Jamali.
The Committee visited the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) and received briefings on the functioning of various scientific laboratories and research institutions. During the visit to the Land Resource Research Institute, the Committee was briefed on bio-fertilizers and training initiatives being undertaken by NARC to enable farmers to produce bio-fertilizers independently. The Committee raised concerns regarding the distribution network and emphasized the need for enhanced 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 highlighted 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 Chairman directed the Federal Secretary and Chairman PARC to take concrete steps to bridge the gap between research, technological advancements, and farmers to improve crop yields.
The Committee further visited the horticulture fields and appreciated the kitchen gardening techniques being promoted. Briefings were also given on recent research initiatives related to chilli cultivation and its plantation in Sindh and Balochistan, whereupon the Chairman urged the authorities to prioritize Balochistan province. The Committee also received a briefing on the Floriculture Research Program.
A comprehensive briefing was given on the functions, mandate, and working of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (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 appreciated the Wheat and Pulses Speed Breeding Facilities but expressed concern over the widening research gap due to climate change. The Chairman directed PARC to focus on promoting smart agricultural practices and developing climate-resilient seed varieties. He also encouraged the adoption of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The Committee highlighted that although agriculture is a devolved subject after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, effective coordination between the federation and provinces in agriculture and livestock sectors remains essential.
The Committee also received a comprehensive briefing on the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), particularly focusing on the livestock sector. Members were briefed on initiatives including animal tagging and the establishment of model animal markets. It was informed that Pakistan is the third-largest milk producer in the world. 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. Appreciating the detailed briefing on livestock, the Committee assured its full support for the promotion and development of the livestock 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. He further stressed that each and every media source should be used to create awareness among the farmers so that they may benefit from latest research.