Staff Reporter
PARC intends to modernize Gilgit-Baltistan&39;s agriculture. Chairman PARC
Islamabad: Agriculture Minister for GB Mr. Muhammad Kazim Mesam arrived at PARC National Agricultural Research Centre on 24 th January, 2021 where he was warmly welcomed by Chairman PARC Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan. Dr. Muhammad Azeem khan led him to various institutes of NARC and briefed him thoroughly about the establishment and objectives of the Centre.Intending tocollaborate in the areas of Horticulture research, chairman sought for establishment of high value fruit/dry fruit orchards and high tech vegetable farms with improved yield so that the local production could reduce import bills. GB is a high potential area for olive cultivation therefore in future olive production with the help of PARC will also be made possible. PARC will assist GB Agriculture in promoting low cost farming in the region. Establishment of quality check certified laboratories,
Mombasa grass production technology for high milk production in animals, certified seeds of crops were discussed for future collaboration.
After briefing they visited NIGAB which is brilliantly working in the agricultural research of plants, animals and microbes and recently it has handed over 50,000 Potato tubers to GB Agriculture Department for disease free potato production and research. Whereas various crop seeds were also given in which banana tissue culture research is also included. PARC will also open a PATCO display center at GB. Minister further visited Livestock and fisheries departments and showed great interest in different activities and laparoscopic models in sheep and goats. Chairman stressed on the participation of local women in the development of Angora Rabbitry at GB and also told him about the bright future of trout fish farming. These trainings of farmer in fish hatchery and rabbitry will be conducted by PARC that will generate income for the poor farmers.
At this occasion Mr. Mesam asked for cooperation in training of GB locals at NARC, continuous functioning of PARC-MARC Skardu and research sharing of water management and crop production technologies. He praised the work done by institutes and continued the same eagerness for future collaboration of GB Agriculture Department with PARC, so the GB farming community could also get benefit from PARC research works..
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