Staff Reporter
Karachi
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman, PARC, Thursday, appreciated the efforts taken by the scientist of Crop Diseases Research Institute (CDRI) in wheat rust research.
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan expressed these views during his visit to CDRI, Karachi. Dr. Attaullah Khan, Director General SARC visited CDRI. Dr. Nasreen Sultana, Director CDRI, the officers and staff at CDRI gave warm welcome to Chairman PARC. The Chairman PARC visited experimental field at CDRI and was briefed about the wheat trial by Mr. Khalil Khanzada, SSO at CDRI.
During discussion Chairman PARC was in view that there is a lacking in seed system for new wheat germ plasm, he advised that the new varieties should be added in Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) of PARC and backup to private sector for seed multiplication. Chairman urged to work on tomato during summer under Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI) system for vegetable cultivation.
The Chairman PARC inaugurated the High Efficiency Irrigation system installed at SARC experimental field. Dr. Kamran Baksh, Senior Engineer briefed about the land preparation for Brazilian seed less lemon and grapes. Chairman along with DG SARC planted lemon and grape plant under drip irrigation system. Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan briefed about the smart irrigation device installed under grafted Ber plants for crop scheduling.
Dr.Attaullah Khan Director General, SARC briefed about the ongoing activities and showed the newly developed land area of five acres for plantation. Chairman PARC appreciated the efforts taken by Director General SARC and his teamfor radical improvement in short period of time.
Chairman PARC visited the FQSRI and was briefed by Dr. Akhlaq Ahmed, Director FQSRI regarding lab activities. Chairman PARC highlighted the importance of dried Ber and brown rice.
The Chairman advised to generate demand of the product. The Chairman also highlighted that the varietal purity is a big challenge in Basmati rice.
Chairman, PARC also briefed by Miss Sundus Riaz, SO, FQSRI on different extract in lab including Neem, Garlic, Mint and Rose and its role in whitefly control. The Chairman appreciated the work done on essential oil. Chairman PARC advised to submit project on essential oil distillery for commercial production.
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan advised to develop value added dried products including Mango, Onion and Tomato.
He also highlighted the issue in Date drying, scientist from FQSRI should work on two aspects, first on early maturity and second on drying and value addition, Furthermore, he also emphasized on cold chain and vacuum-packed food product for international market.
