ISLAMABAD, July 9: Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (Parc) has launched various agricultural research projects across the country, besides mega research projects in Balochistan at a cost of Rs614 million, to meet the challenges of WTO regime. This was stated by Parc chairman Dr Badaruddin Soomro while presiding over the annual meeting of Research Advisory Committee here on Saturday, which reviewed in detail the performance of Parc and its regional centres and stations.

The meeting expressed its satisfaction on the overall research activities in agriculture and livestock sectors, notwithstanding the budgetary constraints and procedural hassles confronting the Parc.

The committee comprises members of parliament, senior government officials, heads of agricultural universities and provincial agricultural research departments, progressive farmers and agricultural scientists.

Dr Badaruddin Soomro said “our agricultural scientists have been contributing a lot for sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food security in the country.”

The chairman expressed his determination in carrying out the mission of agricultural research and the mandate assigned to the council with regard to implementing national agricultural research system.

Eulogizing the role of advisory committee, the Parc chairman said the council got wisdom and guidelines from the committee members in planning the future course of action that would go a long way in achieving the set objectives.

He assured that suggestions, inputs and recommendations of the advisory body would be taken into account in letter and spirit, as the committee was one of the most vital bodies of the council having also the status of the subcommittee of the board of governors.

While highlighting the research activities and future plans, Dr Soomro maintained that it was necessary to develop agricultural research system on modern lines keeping in view breakthrough in agriculture sector in the region, especially for meeting WTO challenges.

Dr Badaruddin Soomro dwelt at length the activities and achievements of the council during the past one-year vis-a-vis financial constraints and other bottlenecks.

He said the council had to face over 50 per cent cut in its operational budget because of increase in salaries and other allowances, which had to be met from within the allocated funds since government did not meet the shortfall.

“Despite financial constraints and other natural and man-made setbacks the country had been able in increasing its agricultural yield, particularly wheat, cotton and rice crops owing to extensive research contributions on part of our scientists,” Dr. Soomro added.

During the daylong deliberations, the committee members discussed research, financial and administrative issues concerning Parc and its regional components.

The participants underlined the need for giving more administrative and financial autonomy to the council so that research activities might be continued uninterrupted.

They also called upon the finance ministry and the ministry of food and agriculture to provide necessary funding to the council.—APP