Minister of State for National Food Security and Research, Malik Rasheed Ahmed Khan, visited the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in Islamabad today. This visit provided an essential platform for discussions regarding the crucial role of Pakistan’s agricultural sector in the national economy. During the visit, the Chairman of PARC and senior scientists from various technical divisions gave the Minister a comprehensive briefing on PARC's operations and its significant contributions through its outstations across the country. The briefing highlighted PARC's pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
In his remarks, the Honorable Minister strongly condemned India’s recent cowardly attack on Pakistani territory. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and declared that Pakistan will respond decisively to any Indian hostilities. He stated, "Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend our nation." He further added, "Our armed forces responded swiftly and inflicted significant military losses on the enemy. We will give a fitting reply to Indian aggression."
The Minister's visit also underscored the importance of national food security. He highlighted the vital role that research and development play in strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural sector. He reiterated, "In line with the Prime Minister's vision and the Green Pakistan initiative, our Ministry is fully committed to advancing the agricultural sector through robust research and innovation." He emphasized, "While the nation stands united in confronting this aggression, we must also remain focused on enhancing our agricultural infrastructure. PARC’s work is essential to securing a stable and resilient food supply for our people."
During the visit, Chairman PARC and senior scientists briefed the Minister on key achievements of the Council. These included genome-based varietal development for various crops, the establishment of state-of-the-art research facilities such as the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), a Speed Breeding facility for the development of new crop varieties, and an Aeroponics Complex for virus-free seed potato production. Additionally, they discussed vaccine development for various animal diseases, including bird flu and lumpy skin disease, as well as agro-ecological zonation efforts across different regions of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is a leading organization dedicated to improving agricultural practices and ensuring food security in Pakistan. PARC conducts research across multiple agricultural disciplines, including crop improvement, livestock management, and water resource management.
