SCIENTIFIC research generates knowledge which has great influence on socio-economic progress and the development of human civilization.

Knowledge is gained through experimentation, observation and critical analysis of empirical data, which converted into useful technologies and practices, can enhance manifold the efficiency and out-put of the individuals and of a production system. In the fast-changing world, full of new challenges, tested and verified technologies are the key to sustainable progress.

In the past, the main source of knowledge and farming skills had been the growers’ own experiences and observations gained through a self-learning process. This indigenous knowledge was passed on through generations and shared by the community. Farm productions were low but enough to meet the basic needs. These old practices were also not effective in the face of natural calamities such as drought, floods and pestilence.. Because of increasing demographic pressures and imbalanced use of land and water resources, today’s agriculture is confronted with the formidable challenges of enhancing farm productions and controlling fast environmental degradation. The world’s fundamental problems are now identified as degradation of land and water resources (the main production base), deforestation, desertification, rapid expansion in populations and environmental pollution. The best solutions to these problems can only be found through scientific understanding and well-planned research strategies.

Agricultural research is, no doubt a very effective tool of solving the problems but it has its own characteristics and limitations unlike other scientific disciplines. To understand the nature of agricultural research the following points should be kept in view:

Agriculture encompasses almost all the socio-economic and the cultural activities of mankind.

It derives knowledge and experience from a wide range of scientific disciplines and areas of human activities. It requires a multi-disciplinary team and well integrated endeavours to find practical solutions.

It is founded on the climatic patterns and the existing natural resources. Thus, it is exposed to natural calamities and hazards. Field trails are repeated for a number of seasons to get enough reliable data. It is climate- specific and situation- specific.

It is a time consuming process. Development or breeding of a new variety of desirable traits takes about 7-10 years and its further multiplication and dissemination for large-scale adoption may take another 5-7 years.

It’s success cannot be judged by the same standards or criteria as applied for industrial research.

Another important aspect of agricultural research is that there are different levels of scientific investigations according to the objectives, expertise and research facilities available. These are generally classified as under:

Fundamental research: It is related to the discovery of the basic principles or elements. Typical example is the discovery of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash as essential elements of plant nutrients. It requires a very high level of expertise and research facilities.

Applied research: At this level, the known principles and elements are applied to develop new varieties and appropriate technologies.

Adaptive research: This is a comparatively a quicker and cheaper approach or methodology to achieve desirable results. Under this type of research crop varieties and technologies developed elsewhere are tested and appropriated under local prevailing agro-climatic conditions keeping in view the needs of the community. Many crop varieties have been successfully introduced through this approach in the country.

On-farm trails: It relates to re-verification and appropriation of results of experimental stations at farmers lands.

Impact of research: In the face of great complexity in the farming systems, serious constraints of scientific man power, low service status, inadequate local allocation of funds and no due recognition of the scientific achievements, the agricultural scientists and the extension experts have made highly significant contributions towards evolving and introducing high yielding crop varieties and animal breeds, improved agronomic practices, use of modern inputs, pest management and improved post- harvest handling, and storage and marketing practices. According to Federal Seed Certification and Registration Report (2002) the Pakistani scientists have developed and released about 364 crop varieties out of which 125 are of wheat, barley, maize and rice, 60 of cotton, 20 of sugar-cane and 22 of major vegetable crops. The remaining varieties are related to pulses, oilseeds and fodder crops.

About 95 per cent of the area under fruit orchards is covered by the improved varieties. As a result of large scale cultivation of these varieties developed by the agricultural scientists, the yields of wheat, rice, cotton and sugar-cane crops have increased by 200-300 per cent. Crop yields can be further increased as the farmers have so far exploited 40 per cent yield potentials of these improved cultivars. About 70 per cent of the foreign exchange earned by the country is derived from the agricultural commodities. The country has also achieved self-sufficiency in wheat, rice and in fruit and vegetable production. Use of modern in-puts has been considerably increased. Agro-based industries and agric-business are rapidly expanding and providing employment opportunities to farm labour and to skilled and semi-skilled persons in the urban areas. Major farm operations have been mechanized for better efficiency and out-puts. However, there is still much to be achieved to bring the productivity levels at par with the developed countries. The achievements of our scientists are by no means of low standards but it is highly discouraging that the efforts of our scientists have never been recognized rather they are always facing strong criticism from various quarters. Most of the noted scientists have gone into oblivion.

However, there are still some areas of glaring weaknesses. The per hectare crop yields are still low as compared to the world standards. Research for developing high yielding varieties of oilseeds crops, green fodders and animal breeds is not so result- oriented. Appropriate farming systems based on suitable varieties and farming practices have not been developed for water logged, saline and dry land situations. Effective linkages between researchers, extension workers and farmers are very poor.

Enhancing the research: Historically speaking Pakistan is predominantly an agricultural country. It has a very good endowment of varying soil and climatic conditions. The country has the largest irrigation system. A variety of crops and animal breeds are grown for obtaining food, fibre, fodder and raw material for the fast expanding agro-based industries. It is still the major source of foreign exchange earning. Nevertheless, due to mismanagement, the country’s land and water resources are rapidly shrinking. The process of desertification and deforestation has started with great speed. Environmental pollution has already assumed an alarming situation. For economic survival of the country and protection of the valuable natural resources, scientific research is very essential.

Pakistan’s investment of 0.02 per cent of its GDP in the agricultural research at present is very low whereas it is recommended at 0.5 per cent for the developing countries. Furthermore, research is largely dependent on foreign resources in the form of loans and costly consultancy services. Dependence should be on local resources to ensure continuity.

Pakistan has become a signatory of the World Trade Organization. Under this treaty, global quality standards and intellectual property rights are to be essentially adhered to. Any deviation from the WTO rules will not allow Pakistan to enter into world trade. Quality standards and intellectual property rights can only be sustained through meaningful and problem oriented research. Private sector has now to be active and vigilant to secure it future. It has to invest a portion of its earning into research and development activities. Public sector should only be responsible for quality control and advanced research in highly sophisticated areas of national importance.

Measures needed: It is high time to show appropiate response to the emerging new challenges of enhancing farm productivity, conservation and balanced use of natural resources, controlling environmental pollution and poverty crisis. What is immediately required is to review the existing research structure and to reorganize it to find workable solutions of the emerging problems.

Research is a continuous process, which has no beginning and no end like the development phenomenon. The first step in this direction should be to strengthen reliance on our scientific manpower and attract well qualified and competent scientists by providing better salaries and working environment. Each scientist or team of scientists should be given specific assignment and they should spend early years of their profession exclusively on conducting research in the area assigned to them.

Next point to be considered is that adequate operational funds should be provided for conducting research. Luckily, a good organizational structure and essential land and laboratory facilities are available. These should be utilized efficiently.

The research should be problem oriented and linked to the market to be served. For this purpose research- extension-farmers/stakeholders linkages should be strengthened. Strong linkages with the international institutes are also necessary for better exchange of useful knowledge and experience.

With the introduction of the intellectual property rights, it should be made mandatory for the private sector to undertake agricultural research for developing improved varieties and relevant technologies. A national agricultural research plan based on national goals and objectives should be prepared and resources be made available for its implementation.