Technological transfer, mechanization, institution building and transfer of seed technology are the main factors for agro economic success. Quaid e Azam has dreamt a prosperous Pakistan and agriculture plays important role in our economy. This was said by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam on Saturday while chairing meeting of NFS&R Think Tank. Federal Minister also mentioned that the concept of attaching think tanks with ministries have been approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan to find solutions of key issues. The focus of think tank is to raise the production of key strategic products. Federal Minister also added that after 18th amendment, country's agro economy has changed because of devolution of power to provinces. He was of the view that country's population is increasing. So we need to increase our per hectare production. He asked to make a mechanism through which farmers can practice applied research in the fields. Syed Fakhar Imam stressed on the three pillars of Agricultural system - research, extension and agricultural higher education - as the agricultural knowledge triangle and suggest that this triangle should be planned and sequenced as a system rather than as separate entities. Later on Secretary NFS&R, Omar Hamid briefed the participants about potential issues of Food Security. It was discussed that purpose of creation of Think Tank of sectoral experts to continue evolving situation. It is the need of time to engage stake holders and to provide quality and diversity. During meeting, Dr. Ashraf, VC Agriculture University, Faislabad mentioned that as per FAO data of last year, Pakistan is ahead of India in case of cotton and maize production. He said research should be focussed on cotton seed. Even the research should be consortium based. The nutritious food security should be given importance. Dr. Rizwan, a participant from Agriculture University, Peshawar mentioned about issue of climate change. He also asked to control smuggling of food to neighbouring countries. Dr.Sulehri, head of SDPI mentioned about other things like agri zoning and crop insurance. He requested Federal Minister to pilot crop insurance in few vulnerable areas. He also focussed on early warning system for locusts. He drew attention of Federal Minister on Beijing Hybrid Wheat Seed. It is a drought resistant seed. Federal Minister enquired about field trials of these seeds. Dr. Irfan, VC Agriculture University, Multan replied that these seeds are trialled for 1 year in KPK, Sindh and Punjab. On the other hand, Dr. Khursheed, Livestock and Husbandry Commissioner mentioned there is a dire need of livestock census. He mentioned that live stock industry is driven by dairy industry. Right now only 6% of milk is processed and there is a need to increase it upto 30%.He also said that beef/mutton breed should be given importance. Poultry sector fulfills need of Pakistan and Afghanistan as well. He mentioned that livestock shares 8% of total export pie of country, resulting in USD 400 to 500.Federal Minister enquired about vaccine of foot and mouth disease of cattles. Dr. Khursheed replied that 25mn dose of vaccine is imported, while 5 to 6 mn doses are domestically made. Federal Minister concluded the meeting on the note of hope that things will change positively for agricultural sector in future and farmers will be prosperous He concluded that Pakistan has best irrigation system on which agriculture dependents. Pakistan just need to increase value addition.
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