ISLAMABAD, Sept 11: Pakistan Agricultural Research Council will get Rs445m during 2002-03, about 23 per cent more than its allocation for the previous year.

Agriculture minister Khair Mohammad Junejo stated this at the 21st meeting of the PARC’s board of governors on Tuesday.

The new allocation will rectify a major distortion vis-a-vis the apex farm research body of Pakistan that it raises by more than 100 per cent the provision for operational activities to 33 per cent. Out of a total allocation of Rs362 million last year, the council was left with only Rs62 million (over 20%) for its substantive research activities.

The agricultural scenario in Pakistan, the minister observed, was changing fast as evident from Pakistan being now in a position to export surplus wheat.

Earlier, PARC chairman Dr Badaruddin Soomro, highlighted the PARC’s contributions towards the development of national agricultural research system.