PESHAWAR, Dec 15: The 23rd training course on use of nuclear and other advanced techniques in food and agriculture research concluded at the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (Nifa) in Tarnab on Friday.

Speaking at the concluding session, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Director-General Mohammad Tariq said the country had to concentrate on agricultural research on scientific lines to meet the growing challenges.

The resources were scarce, while the population was increasing at an alarming proportion, he said, adding that new crops having maximum yield had to be introduced. He said use of nuclear technology was a must for the purpose.

He said the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture was utilising nuclear energy for improving the country's agriculture production and developing new seeds, including three wheat seeds introduced recently.

He said the new seeds had stronger resistance against diseases and they were more productive.

The official praised Nifa’s efforts in strengthening the country's agriculture base by stopping wastage of food items.

He distributed certificates among the participants of the course.—APP