For the first time in Pakistan, a virus-free seed has been developed using aeroponics technology in collaboration with the Korean Government. The first crop will be harvesting on 31 January 2022. In this regard, a function was held at NARC in which electronic and print media were briefed.
The event was attended by the Korean Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman PARC, KOPIA officials and other officials of PARC. Using this technology, approximately 65,000 nucleus seeds will be extracted from the first year’s crop planted in Aeroponics, which will be sufficient to plant on 40-50 (000) acres.
This seed will increase potato production by 15-20%. On this occasion, Chairman PARC Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali also highlighted the objectives of chilli production and post harvest management technology using machinery provided by KOPIA. Good quality chilli will open the door to export free of aflatoxins. This will increase the country’s ability to contribute more than $50 million to GDP.
Chairman PARC Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali also emphasized on the production technology of important fodder crops in Pakistan to increase the supply of animal feed. This will ultimately increase dairy production in the country.
On the occasion, the Korean Ambassador said that in the last three months, scientists from Pakistan and Korea have developed a batch of Virus-free potatoes which is appreciated and in the field of agricultural research from PARC to other crops after potato. We are ready for research and this cooperation will be continue.
