Proactive approach can play an effective role in development

Proactive approach can play an effective role in development; the agricultural institutions must work together with local growers for better results. Results of research must be shared with the small and progressive farmers to increase their production aiming to ensure food security in the country. 

This was stated by Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, Senator while addressing as Chief Guest on the occasion of a day long National Seminar on “Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Livestock; Challenges and Opportunities” at here Hafeez Halipota Hall of Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Umerkot (Sindh).

Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah said that there is not any Copyright Law for new variety of agriculture in Pakistan but I have assurance that Assembly will pass a Law for it within two months.  He said that there is no any directory of progressive farmers in Sindh. There is big difference among Indian and Pakistani farmers, the Indian farmers have many facilities and Pakistani farmers have not any facility. He said that a Research Centre for Chilies should be established in Kunri (Sindh).

The seminar was organized by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in collaboration with Research and Development Foundation (RDF) at AZRI, Umerkot to overview on climate change and agriculture in Pakistan.

On this occasion, Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Ex-Federal Minister and MNA has said that Sindh Province is hub of Pakistan’s economy. The Govt of Sindh will provide all possible help to PARC for the promotion agricultural research activities in the region. He said ZTBL arrange more loan for small farmers for Sindh Province. He said 70% assembly members are growers but they are silent and not regularize the issues of the farmers. He further said that trading with India is dangerous for local growers because the Indian farmers have more facilities due to which their production cost is low and in Pakistan the producers are facing challenges of high cost. He urged the Govt to provide basic facilities and subsidy to Pakistani farmers to increase their production and to promote agriculture in the country.

On this occasion, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) presented the overall progress of PARC. He said Pakistani chili is liked in the world. This is the main area for growing exportable chilies. He said a project will be soon finalized to facilitate the chili growers of the area. He announced the establishment of a PARC Information Centre at AZRI Umerkot for small farmers which will start functioning within 2 – 3 months. He also announced two new PARC projects for AZRI i.e. Cultivation of toxic free vegetables and Chili production technology. He said research is base for any development and growth to mitigate the effects of climate change. 

On this occasion, Dr. Nadeem Amjad, Member (NRD) PARC briefed about the adapting to climate change for food security in Pakistan. He presented the global climate change in the light of past and future with reference to Pakistan. He said due to climate change food security will also a serious issue which increases upto 60% to 70% by the year 2050. He also showed his concern about the emerging urbanization and schemes which are converting agriculture lands into housing schemes resulting a big challenge of food security in Pakistan.

On this occasion, Mr. Abdul Majeed Nazamani, President Sindh Abadgar Board and Member PARC Board of Governor, Raja Ahsan-ul-Haq, President (ZTBL), Prof. Dr. Bakhshal Lashari, Chairman RDF, Dr. Mubarik Ahmad, DG (SARC), Dr. Abdullah, Cotton Commissioner, Mian Muhammad Saleem, Dr. Syed Noor Ali Shah, Dr. Attaullah Khan, Director (AZRI) Umerkot and progressive farmers also addressed and shared their knowledge and experience. They were of the view that we can over come on natural disasters with help of modern technology and collective efforts. 

Later, a MoU was also signed between PARC and RDF for collaboration to promote agricultural research and development activities in the region.