ISLAMABAD: National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) informed the Senate Standing Committee on Food Security on Saturday that the agri sector in the country was shifting towards mechanisation at a fast pace, which would help increase crop production.

The committee by its chairman Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah was visiting the research centre, and witnessed various research projects related to seeds, orchards, different types of vegetables, fish processing unit and dairy unit.

The committee was informed that the Planning Commission has set a target to increase agri production by around five per cent in three years and it would be possible with the development of better seeds, along with changing agriculture techniques.

Chairman of the Committee Senator Muzaffar Hussain Shah said that agriculture, fish and poultry had become a provincial matter after the 18th Amendment but lamented that the provinces had not taken steps to improve agricultural sector.

However, he stressed that research institutes belonging to both federal and provincial government as well the end user should enhance practical cooperation.

A member of the committee said farmers were least aware of research works being carried out in the country and the farm sector should be informed about developments in new technologies.

The committee members including Senator Sajjad Hussain Turi and Senator Seemi Ezdi asked the research scientists of NARC to counter the impact of climate change on crops.

The issues faced by the cotton crop was also discussed in the meeting and it was noted that severe heat in 2019 in cotton growing areas led to decline in the crop output.

The Standing Committee was informed that NARC was promoting kitchen gardening to encourage the residents of Islamabad to grow seasonal vegetables and a mobile app would be launched soon which will include details in this regard.

The committee was briefed on the improved irrigation system that could help save up to 40pc irrigation water.

NARC research farms are spread over 1,400 acres in which 900 acres are used for experiments on new seeds.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2020