ISLAMABAD, July 8: Agricultural research is the backbone of farm sector as without it the country cannot achieve desired goals in production and export.

This was stated by PARC chairman Dr Badaruddin Soomro while speaking at the annual meeting of the council’s research advisory committee here on Tuesday.

Mr Soomro said the PARC had played a vital role in strengthening and coordinating the agriculture research system in the country.

He said about 45 mega projects had been completed so far and another 14 national coordinated research projects were in progress which would take the country not only towards self- sufficiency in various field, including crops, vegetables, fruits, livestock, pulses etc, but also help promote exports.

Mr Soomro said the PARC had established six technology transfer institutes (TTIs) in the country a year ago to disseminate new research information and technologies to the end users. Besides, the council has also established two grain testing laboratories in Islamabad and Karachi which will help in export of quality products, thus meting the requirements of WTO regime, he added.

The PARC chairman also stressed the need for taking appropriate steps at all levels to achieve the future goals of production enhancement, import substitution, export orientation and sustainable resource development.

The meeting, attended by representatives from the four provinces, Pakistan Science Foundation, Agriculture University and senior officials of the PARC, deliberated upon the council’s last year’s activities and achievements.—APP