Islamabad: The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), in collaboration with the Korean Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), announced plans to establish a ‘Seed Potato Complex’ at the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC). This initiative aims to produce virus-free potatoes and enhance local crop output, with Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, set to inaugurate the facility on Wednesday.

According to Press Information Department, the inauguration ceremony will see attendance from dignitaries including the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, senior officials from PARC, NARC, KOPIA, as well as representatives from national and international organizations, development partners, agricultural scientists, and progressive farmers from across the country. Additionally, a delegation from KOPIA, led by Korean Ambassador Park Kijun, met with Minister Hussain, reaffirming Korea’s commitment to supporting Pakistan through the transfer of modern agricultural technology and training on innovative technologies to the local farming communities.

During their meeting, Minister Hussain emphasized the strong and friendly relations between Pakistan and Korea, highlighting the importance of further strengthening these ties for mutual progress in agriculture. He pointed out the ongoing projects focused on agricultural technology transfer and expressed optimism about the bilateral cooperation enhancing local agricultural output and sector development. The Minister also noted the establishment of an aeroponic greenhouse under this collaboration, which will improve the quality of seed potatoes and support modern agricultural research, addressing food safety and security challenges in Pakistan.