ISLAMABAD, Aug 28: Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind here on Thursday pledged optimum help to the agricultural research sector in view of its potential role in attainment of food autarky and alleviation of poverty in the country.

He was speaking at a presentation given to him on draft report of the National Committee on Agriculture (Think Tank) of Pakistan Council for Science and Technology. The Secretary, Ministry of Food & Agriculture and other officials were also present.

The committee has been set up to redefine the research goals and prioritize research areas in agriculture for guidance of policy makers and allocation of funds for short-, medium- and long-term projects.

The minister stressed that the benefits of latest research must reach even the smallest tillers in every nook and corner of the country. Without this, “all our efforts are in vain,” he added.

The presentation stressed the need to increase manifold the volume of funds for infrastructure and human resource development, establishment throughout the country of ISO certified laboratory infrastructure. Such facility should be designed, keeping in view requirements of different areas as well as post harvest technologies and processing of fruits and vegetables etc., it was stressed.

It suggested the need for local production of hybrid seeds of vegetable and field crops, induction of seedless citrus fruit and improvement of technology for safer use of poor quality tubewell water and saline agriculture.

The presentation also focussed on comprehensive programme for research on biological control of pests and integrated pest management, particularly for cotton, rice and fruits/flowers.