ISLAMABAD, Aug 24: Recommendations of a task force constituted by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) on reforms in agriculture research will be submitted to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz soon.

The recommendations have been finalized in consultation with the provinces, said federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sikandar Hayat Bosan, while presiding over the 24th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) here on Wednesday.

“Key reform areas in agriculture research system include giving effective autonomy to research organizations, improving coordination among research agencies, giving incentives and packages to agricultural scientists and strengthening the role and responsibilities of PARC,” Mr Bosan said.

He urged the agriculture scientists to ensure that the benefits of their research reached every farmer, and said that all matters related to budgetary allocations and administration of the PARC would be resolved to provide them better working environment.

He said there was need for developing this sector in order to protect the natural resource base for the future generations.

Minfal Secretary Ismail Qureshi said following the directives of the prime minister, the ministry was finalizing the modalities for establishing an endowment fund for the benefits of agriculture scientists.

PARC Chairman Dr Badruddin said the council had made tremendous achievements.