Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, led by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, visited the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) today to evaluate its operational effectiveness and research progress. The committee engaged in a comprehensive review of the center’s scientific labs and discussed various challenges, including the need for increased funding and extended land leases for research purposes.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee members toured NARC’s facilities where they were briefed by the Chairman of NARC on the functionality of the scientific laboratories. These labs play a crucial role in the preservation and cultivation of diverse plant types. The visit included detailed presentations on the historical development of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), its role under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS and R), and its collaborative research efforts aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
During the meeting, the governance structure of PARC was outlined, highlighting its board of governors, various technical divisions including the Plant Sciences Division (PSD), Natural Resources Division (NRD), Agricultural Sciences Division (ASD), and Social Sciences Division (SSD). Financial briefings revealed the budget allocations for the fiscal year 2023-24, with a total of Rs. 6,575.65 million earmarked for the center, which includes operational and establishment costs.
The committee also examined research milestones achieved by NARC, including advancements in plant genetics and the development of new plant varieties and hybrids. Financial improvements since 2013 were discussed, with notable increases in the research budget, educational stipends, and a direct pension credit system for widows.
Key issues raised during the visit included the comparatively low investment in agricultural research and development (R and D) in Pakistan, which stands at only 0.12% of its Agricultural GDP the lowest among SAARC countries. Concerns were also voiced over the challenges of securing international collaborations for grant-in-aid projects and the urgency of extending NARC’s land lease by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which has remained unresolved since 2005, thereby hindering the expansion of research infrastructure.
The meeting saw attendance from several senators including Senator Poonjo Bheel, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, Senator Prof. Sajid Mir, Senator Rahat Jamali, Senator Abdul Wasay, and Senator Danesh Kumar, alongside the Chairman of NARC and senior officials from related departments. The visit underscores the committee’s commitment to addressing the critical needs of Pakistan’s agricultural sector through enhanced research and development initiatives.