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Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab forms task force to boost agri research links
LAHORE: The Punjab government has constituted a task force to enhance coordination between academia and research institutions and to develop a joint strategy aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector. The task force will submit its recommendations within 15 days which will then be forwarded to the Chief Minister of Punjab for approval. Members of the task force will maintain their individual identities while fostering greater collaboration and promoting research. Additionally, coordination with the private sector and international institutions will also be ensured. The formation of the task force was ordered by Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, during a meeting held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The meeting was attended by UAF Vice Chancellor Zulfiqar Ali, Chairman of the National Seed Authority Dr Asif Ali, Chief Executive of PARB Dr Abid Mahmood, Consultant to the Punjab Agriculture Department Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali, along with agricultural experts and researchers. Addressing the meeting, the secretary of Agriculture emphasised that in order to modernise the agriculture sector all stakeholders must adopt a joint strategy. He noted that stronger coordination between academia and research institutions would yield better outcomes. He added that the government is generously allocating resources to revive the agriculture sector, and a consultative session has already been held with all relevant stakeholders in this regard. He further stressed that practical measures grounded in modern research are essential to boost agricultural productivity. Highlighting cotton production as a major challenge, he underscored the need for a long-term policy. The secretary also pointed out the urgent requirement to introduce superior germplasm, develop new climate-resilient varieties, and ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Agri education and research taskforce' being set up: minister
FAISALABAD: Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo on Thursday said that Agriculture Education and Research taskforce is being set up that will present recommendation to revamp the sector in order to ensure four percent agricultural growth in coming years. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali along with Chairman National Seed Authority Dr Asif Ali, Director General Ayyub Research Sajid ur Rahman, Chief Executive PARB Dr Abid Mehmood, Consultant to Punjab Agriculture Department Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali and other renowned agriculture experts and researchers attended the meeting. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo urged the agricultural institutions to lower down the walls and enhance the collaboration between academia, research and industry to achieve better outcomes and to ensure the food security at national level. He said that the government is devising the doable short, mid and long-term policies for upgrading the agriculture sector. He highlighted that increasing crop productivity is a major challenge, particularly due to water scarcity, climate changes and other challenges. He mentioned that quality germplasm, climate-resilient varieties and timely provision of certified seeds to farmers would boost the production. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
