Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has underscored the need for agricultural research institutions to deliver tangible outcomes that aid farmers, boost crop productivity, and support economic growth in Pakistan. According to Press Information Department, the Minister communicated these directives while leading a meeting at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad, where he assessed the achievements of various institutes during the Kharif 2026 season and their plans for the Rabi 2026-27 season.

The high-level meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Secretary of the Ministry, the Director General to the Federal Minister, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi. Emphasizing the country’s agricultural potential, Hussain stressed the importance of dedicated scientific research and modern technologies, urging the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties and the reduction of agricultural production costs.

The Minister directed a focus on developing indigenous basmati rice varieties to lessen reliance on Indian imports and highlighted the need for increased domestic production of pulses and oilseeds. He also called for the commercialization of locally developed agricultural machinery and stressed the importance of vaccines for major animal diseases and research-based animal feed products.

Additionally, Hussain pointed to the potential for agricultural exports, advocating for modern beekeeping practices and improvements in honey quality. He encouraged the cultivation of high-value fruit crops like avocado and blueberry in suitable climates and called for strengthened collaboration among research entities to ensure timely delivery of innovations to farmers.

The meeting included a briefing on PARC’s research programs and institutional initiatives, including the approval of six crop varieties and advancements in livestock breeding and agricultural mechanization. Hussain appreciated these measures, emphasizing the need for their broader application and commercial viability.

Following the meeting, the Minister inaugurated a 10-acre Regenerative Agriculture Block at NARC, aimed at promoting sustainable farming and enhancing agricultural resilience to climate change. He reiterated the government’s expectation for PARC and NARC to play a pivotal role in addressing farmers’ challenges and enhancing national food security.