The federal minister for National Food Security and Research, Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, visited National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad on Thursday to preside over a one-day workshop on Climate Resilient High Yielding and Quality Rice Development. During his address, Dr. Kauser Abdulla emphasized the significance of research and development in the agricultural sector, stating that it is the country’s only hope for overcoming the economic crisis. Dr. Kauser urged young scientists and researchers to make use of technology, particularly in the field of genomics and Biotechnology.
He emphasized the importance of adapting crops that are resilient to the changing climate and resistant to extreme temperatures. He also mentioned that efforts are being made to commercialize agricultural research in order to benefit the end users, especially the farmers.
He also applauded active collaboration of PARC with private seed sector. Dr. Kauser commended Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) for developing rice varieties that are successfully competing with expensive imported hybrid seeds.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman PARC, expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, government and private sector representatives, media personnel, and all workshop participants for their participation to make the event successful.
