A Reuters file photo of an agricultural field.
The committee, chaired by PARC Chairman Muhammad Ayub Chaudhry, discussed characteristics of different varieties of rice seeds for commercial cultivation and their impact on per-acre yield.
In the meeting, PARC national coordinator on rice presented working paper for all 33 proposals of rice hybrid varieties for recommendation to the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department.
The committee recommended seven rice hybrid varieties for commercial cultivation in the country.
Representatives of seed companies appreciated the role of PARC for setting new benchmarks for testing of rice hybrid varieties in Pakistan aimed at benefitting farmers as well as the rice sector.
Addressing the meeting, Chaudhry appreciated the roles of the private and public sector for taking interest in research and development of rice in the country.
He briefed the participants regarding upcoming projects on rice under ‘Prime Minister’s National Agriculture Emergency Programme’ and underlined that he was happy to see foreigners participating in the committee’s meeting.
Meanwhile, PARC Plant Sciences Division Member Dr Abdul Ghafoor emphasised the role of quality seed in productivity and profitability of farmers. He further appreciated the role of seed companies and public sector institutes for making efforts to improve potential of rice hybrids/varieties in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by technical members from National Agriculture Research System Representatives of seed companies also attended the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2019.
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