Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) being the apex research organization at the Federal level actively continued its pursuits in a variety of areas. Since last year PARC has step forward and has focused on following steps to achieve its mandated role at the national level.

1. Re-organization of PARC

2. Revamping and refurbishing of research infrastructure

3. Visiting research priorities in the face of changing national and global agricultural research and development content and

4. Strengthening National Agricultural Research system (NARS).

PARC research agenda is focused sharply on:

• Productivity enhancement and poverty alleviation

• Import substitution and

• Export orientation

PARC is now all set to activate National Agricultural Research System of Pakistan that in turn shall help translate results of research activities into viable technologies and practices guided towards national economic development as stipulated in national development plan. PARC remains committed towards agricultural development in Pakistan with firm conviction that agriculture is the driving engine of national economy and agricultural research provides fuel to that engine.

PARC coordinates the activities of the various federal and provincial agricultural institutions to rationalize the resource use at the national level. PARC is doing this through its research establishments located in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan.

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) is the administrative Ministry of PARC while the Federal Minister, MINFAL is the president of its Board of Governors (BoG). The BoG is assisted by a Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC reviews the recommendations of the Technical Committees of different division of PARC i.e., Crop Sciences, Animal Sciences, Natural Resources, Social Sciences and the Finance division.

International linkages were strengthened with CIMMYT, IRRI, SAARC, ECO, ICRISAT and IMMI etc. by revising the MoUs.

During the report year, the PARC budget decreased from Rs. 420.784 million to Rs. 411.500. The budget for Development projects and Current was Rs. 44.00 million and Rs. 367.500 million, respectively. Under Agricultural Linkages Programme (ALP), PARC reviewed Rs. 900 million, which have been deposited in Agricultural Research Endowment Fund (AREF). These funds were subsequently invested in PIBs and with NBP. With this investment, PARC earned an income of Rs. 126.082 million upto 30.6.2002. For utilization in the ALP projects.

 Following are the salient activities of PARC during 2002

 PARC Website (www.parc.gov.pk) having more than 250 pages was regularly modified and updated by the Directorate of Scientific Information. By the end of report year, the number of hits was 11002. More than 200 E-mail queries were responded. 150 Agro-forum members were actively taking part in the discussions. Modification and updating of Website continued and Urdu Section was also uploaded. Web-based software of Union database of Journals in Agricultural Libraries of Pakistan containing information of about 3000 journal/magazine titles with available volumes and issues in 30 library of Pakistan was developed and access given on internet. 1167 requests for bibliographic references were entertained and 36503 references with abstracts were provided. 678 citations along with abstracts were contributed to AGRIS of FAO. 5050 new records added to the Pakistan Agriculture Database bringing the total number of records to 36000. New database of Pakistani journals with 166 records developed. 196 new records added to the NARC Library Catalogue. 196 books and 308 journal issues received in the NARC Library. 6178 visits and 567 computer searches conducted in the Library. 2837 books and journals issued and 1536 scientists used E-mail and Internet facilities. Photographic coverage of 97 events was done. Popular science articles, briefs, news items were contributed to both print and electronic media along with arrangements for regular appearance/participation of PARC scientists in PTV News channel programmes. Five video programmes were produced by AVC and photographic facilities were provided to PARC/NARC and MINFAL.Inaddition to this number of training courses, workshops, seminars and field visits were organized to update the masses about the recent developments in the field of agriculture.

In nine advance training courses, meetings, seminars and workshops organized by Training Institute NARC, 150 local and foreign participants attended the range of courses spread over diverse commodity areas. An exhibition was arranged on World Food Day at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad open for people from different walks of life.

In addition to this, Technology Transfer Institute (TTI) NARC conducted 17 short term vocation-based and skill oriented training for farmers and farm women. The institute established an Agricultural Technology Information (ATI) Bank, containing about 100 technology information packages. Fifteen technical information packages in Urdu were also developed and displayed on PARC Website.

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS

Crop Sciences                                                                                                                         [Top]

International cooperation with various countries of the world were strengthened through exchange of visits, germplasm and other technical material. Brief and other related material was provided to higher management. Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) meetings for wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, oilseed and pulses were convened and recommended 26 varieties to National seed Council for approval and release. Germplasm from exotic and indigenous sources were acquired, screened and distributed to the scientists for improvement in the commercial varieties for high yield, quality and resistance against stresses.

The major activities of Crop Sciences division during 2002-2003 were planning, evaluation and monitoring of research activities in the directorate of Crop Production, Plant Protection and horticulture. The on going projects/programmes were monitored through on-site visits of the scientists of the division and reviewing their periodical reports. The new research projects received from funding through ALP, ARF, PSDP and International Agencies/Donors etc. were short listed/reviewed/negotiated and submitted to the higher authorities for approval.

In addition to above technical and administrative activities following research accomplishment were made by the various centers, institutes programmes and projects throughout the country.

Wheat research programme has a very strong and well organized national network of cooperative programme throughout the country. The scientists continued its system wide efforts for the genetic improvement and development of new varieties. Better genotypes and technologies were available for the farming community. Six wheat varieties approved by the VEC were released for planting in irrigated and rainfed ecologies of Pakistan. Identified and demonstrated resource saving techniques keeping in view new tillage concept in rice-wheat system.

In rice the productivity and the quality improvement was the major focus. Over 105 lines were tested in the NUYT consisting of three groups (fine aromatic, coarse & cold tolerance) at 11 locations throughout the country. Three varieties namely sarshar, GNY-50 and GNY-53 were recommended to National Seed Council for approval. Grain qualities of these varieties were also tested as per future export requirements. Cost effective method of zinc application to rice nursery was developed and demonstrated at farmer’s field. This reduces the cultivation cost and improves the production level. The molecular characterization of model rice under salt, drought and cold stresses was carried out.

Four high yielding & disease resistant chickpea varieties such as Parbat-98, dasht-98, CM-99, Humsafar and one for mung (Mung-97) and a lentil variety (Shiraz-96) wee recommended by VEC. A cost effective technique for fungicide treatment to control chickpea and lentil blight were developed and demonstrated to the farmers. Field and laboratory screening techniques for ascochyta blight of chickpea and lentil, cercospora leaf spot, anthracnose and yellow mosaic virus of mung and mash were developed. Nutrient requirement of pulse crops in major production on particularly fertilization of micro nutrients like B & Zn was developed. This increased the yield about 25%.

Thirty-eight A, B inbred lines of sunflower were maintained and twenty new hybrid combinations were made and tested. In the National Uniform Yield Trials 22 hybrids were tested at 12 different locations. Three new sunflower hybrids namely PARC-92, Parsun-1 and SMH-9706 were developed. In rapeseed and mustard a total of 750 crosses were made to develop and maintain A, B and r lines. Twelve a lines were developed with respective B-lines. Out of four R-lines, R-26 was identified as stable lines with good fertility restoring ability. Forty entries of groundnut were evaluated under preliminary yield trials and germplasm evaluation. Eight promising lines were tested at six locations under NUYT. Two potential lines are in the pipeline and will be released after one year of further evaluation.

In the germplasm evaluation trial nine sugarcane varieties of HOCP origin were evaluated for their performance. Eleven promising varieties were planted in the NUYT at various locations. Two new sugarcane varieties Viz., HSF-240 (early maturing) and SPF-234 (for southern Punjab) were released for Punjab province. Farmers training courses were also arranged at Layya, Malakand and Durgai to demonstrate new production techniques at their farms.

Among the fourteen maize entries at NARC, ICI Hybrid Hycorn-11 gave highest yield of nine tonnes per hectare that followed by Rafhan Hybrid, r-2207. Studied crop weed competition and chemical weed control in maize. Standardize inputs requirements for various cultivars of maize, sorghum and millets.

At PGRI, about 1200 accessions of wheat, barley, oilseed and vegetables were collected both from local and exotic sources. Viability of 3876 accessions was tested and 2641 accessions were distributed to various research organizations in the country. The gene-bank is maintaining 20988 accessions in active collection and 14500 accessions as base collection. The techniques for in-vitro and cryo preservation of filed and horticulture crops were developed and germplasm was conserved.

The Farm Machinery Institute (FMI) of PARC has developed designed and modified a variety of agricultural machinery.

Crop Diseases Research Programme, IPEP has remained as instrumental in undertaking problem oriented basic research in the area of phyto-pathology, coordination of this research in the NARS and helping plant breeders in developing disease resistant varieties of crops. Under National Wheat Diseases Screening Nursery (NWDSN), out of 468 entries, 414 lines showed resistance for wheat rust. Thirty three out of 40 wheat varieties fell in acceptable range of both leaf and yellow rusts. These lines were further evaluated against both leaf and yellow rust under National Uniform Wheat Yield Trials (NUWYT) and have fulfilled two years testing and can be recommended for approval by Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC). Under TRAP nursery programme, virulence analysis of wheat rust was conducted at 6 locations in Pakistan.

Epidemiology of soil borne pathogens of rice-based wheat cropping system was studied. No correlation was found in foliar and root disease with conventional and zero tillage practices. Work on the cause of late blight of potato, the analysis of 40 isolates indicated that all of them were of A2 mating type of Phytophthora infestans. Surveys on the incidence and severity of bacterial blight of rice were undertaken. It ranged between 15-100% in Punjab, 0-5% in Sindh, 0-100% in NWFP and in AJ&K no disease was observed. Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV), potato virus and viral diseases were monitored and characterized. Balochistan is BBTV free, however, strict quarantine measures are needed to keep coastal areas of Balochistan free from this disease. Preliminary investigations were undertaken to study phytoplasmal disease of potato in Pakistan. Field studies for the management and control of nematode infestations in date palm, chili and maize were implemented. A new nematicide, Fertinemakil has been formulated with the cooperation of PCSIR labs. and its patent registration is under process. Disease diagnostic and advisory services were provided to the farming communities in Punjab and rural areas of Islamabad.

Ecotoxicology Research Programme, IPEP, undertook further studies on colonial water birds as bio-indicators of pesticide pollutants and contaminants in cotton growing areas of Punjab. The pollutants levels and their effects were assessed and their impact evaluated on different species of egrets and herons. The study was focussed on monitoring of heavy metals and POPs and PCBs in the food chain, sediments, feathers, preys and eggs. Toxicological analysis of eggs, feathers and prey are being conducted in Italy with the collaborative scientists. A study was conducted to ascertain pesticide residues on cotton plants, applicators and cotton pickers in Khairpur district. Residues of commonly used pesticides on cotton crop were found ranging between 15-80%. The relative pesticide distribution in leaves, lint and seed were approximately 15-17 and 28%, respectively. The ChE level of 11.5% applicators and 39% pickers was found below normal range indicating that they were poisoned with the pesticide and were at great health risk. Another study was undertaken to understand the effects of pesticide on soil biomass. Thirty soil samples taken from different villages of five tehsils of Khairpur district are being analysed for bacteria and fungi populations.

Pest Management Research Programme, IPEP at NARC, established biological control labs. at different Sugar Mills in Punjab. Labs. at Shah Taj Sugar Mills prepared 70,000 Trichogramma cards and Phalia Sugar Mills prepared 30,000 cards during 2002. In addition to this, technical assistance of mass rearing of natural enemies was provided to Tandialwala Sugar Mills Ltd., Faisalabad, Layyah Sugar Mills, Layyah, Ashraf Sugar Mills Ltd., Bahawalpur and Shakargang Sugar Mills Ltd., Jhang. Assistance was also provided to Department of Agriculture, AJ&K for establishing a laboratory for the management of codling moth in apple orchards. Monitoring of fruit flies infestation in mango orchards were found to be 5-6% in intact and upto 100% in fallen fruits at Multan. Mango varieties; Kala Chaunsa, Tota Pari and Retol-12 had 100% infestation in fallen fruits. Extracts of neem seed effected settling response of fruit flies on guava. Sweetflag and neem seed extract showed  growth inhibiting effects of Sitotroga cerealella. Scientists at PARC- IPM station, Multan helped a private entrepreneur for establishing a biological control agents laboratory at D.G. Khan, to whom training was also provided for maintenance of lab. cultures handling and mass multiplication of  bio-control agent. Various ration shops of Rawalpindi city were sampled for presence of rodent filth in grain commodities. None of the shops sampled were free from rodent signs and filth. Rice was found to be the most infested grain followed by millet, pulses and lentils. Wild bore populations at KRL, Kahuta were managed and bait delivery system was disseminated to the management of KRL. Field surveys were carried out to see the extent of passerine birds in cotton based agro-ecosystem of the Punjab.

Weed Sciences scientists sampled marketed wheat for weed seed presence. The ratio between wheat and weed was 3.7% in highly contaminated samples. Avena sativa was 85% of the weeds. Weed seeds demographic study indicated that Parthenium has become the most widely distributed weed though-out Pakistan.

Biological Control Programme, IPEP continued their efforts to enhance the capacity of National Insect Museum. At least 21 new species of insects have been added to the collection. Students and research workers were provided identification services for at last 36 insect specimens. In addition, 11 study tours and visits of the museum were arranged for persons and teams of scientists from various institutes/organizations.

Horticulture Programme at NARC continued activities on Potato, Fruits, Vegetables and flowers. Potato clones were multiplied after primary and secondary evaluation at NARC and distributed to Provincial Research Units for further evaluation. Selection of varieties was made after evaluation in National Uniform Yield Trials at different locations in Pakistan. Two clones viz CIP 394021-20 and CIP 391202 were recommended for release as new varieties. Three hybrids TPS families viz MF1 x TPS13, MF11 x TPS67 and TPS7 x performed significantly better than others and are recommended for further studies. Agronomic aspects related to fertilizers application, disease management etc were studied and recommendations made.

Through continuous evaluation of germplasm, cultivars of apple, peach, plum, grapes, olive etc were selected and recommended for general cultivation. Nursery plants of selected cultivars were raised and distributed to farmers. Boron application was fond to improve flowering and fruit set in olive. Potash application significantly improved the growth and fruit quality in citrus. Mass multiplication of FG 677 root-stock was undertaken through tissue culture to solve soil borne and nutritional problem.

Tomato hybrids/lines 97507, 99524 and sun gave better performance yielding more than 40 tons/ha. Chilli cultivars BPC-386, PBc-534 and 9656-15 were found high yielding for green fruit and have been selected for further evaluation. The chilli cultivars Sk-line and LS-494 are found tolerant to Phytophthora and showed better results. The onion cultivar `Phulkara’ produced highest marketable bulb yield with 17 mm diameter sets for off-season cultivation.

Twenty-two rose varieties were propagated through cuttings using different concentrations of IBA, IAA& NAA. The best results were obtained with Iba combinations. Twenty-three annual flowers were sown for seed multiplication and seeds thus collected were separated colourwise.

National Tea Research Institute (NTRI) Mansehra has established tea gardens on 133 acres in districts Mansehra, Battagram & Swat on farmers land. The institute has established tea nursery at NTRI, Shinkiari, Battagram & Swat for producing planting material for plantation in the potential tea growing areas. It is also providing necessary training to farmers and getting feed back to solve farmer’s problems through regular research activities. The Pilot Black tea Processing Plant processed 7.2 tons of black tea during the year 2002 which was auctioned and introduced in local market by a private firm. The produce has received appreciation and encouragement.

Grain Storage Institute, SARC, conducted surveys in Sindh and Punjab to advice the public sector agencies (PASSCO and Food Department) on the protection of wheat during storage. Meetings were conducted with the operational staff to help them to manage the stored wheat. Physical quality analysis was undertaken on the 84 wheat samples collected from Punjab Food Department storages of various districts. Forty five wheat samples were collected from different zones of Punjab stored by PASSCO and their quality parameters were ascertained. Forty eight samples of exportable wheat collected from different districts of Sindh under Food Departments were also analyzed for physical quality characteristics. A total of 565,118 metric tons exportable wheat of Punjab Food Department was fumigated at Port Qasim using methyl bromide. Under sheet fumigation conducted at Bholari bini shell complex resulted in saving about 22% cost of one application of fumigant. One hundred wheat samples of Punjab Food Department were analyzed for isolation and identification of storage fungi. At least 18 different species of fungi were recorded with Aspergillus spp. being dominant on all the samples.

Vertebrate Pest Control Institute, SARC, implemented a large scale rodent control programme at the premises of Pakistan Machines Tool Factory, Karachi where 97% reduction in rodent population was achieved. A similar strategy was planned and implemented at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi. Rodent control measures were also undertaken at a coconut orchard at Gadap. Wild bore control operations in Badin district, Sindh were undertaken in sugarcane fields. Staff of agricultural functionaries was trained in bait preparation and its placement methods. Effect on seed colour of the feeding behaviour of rose-ringed parakeet was also investigated in cages.

Pesticide Research Institute, SARC, undertook studies on pesticide and heavy metals in fruits and vegetables. Out of 63 contaminated samples, 29 exceeded maximum residue limits. Out of 41 samples collected from Punjab and Sindh, 08 samples exceeded Cd metal tolerance limit while 07 samples were found high in Zi, Cu and Pb levels. Out of 150 samples of fresh and pasteurized milk collected from markets in Karachi, 60% samples were found contaminated with different pesticides. Similarly out of 152 samples of vegetables collected from farmers’ fields, 88 samples were found contaminated with a variety of pesticides.

Coastal Agriculture Research Station (SARC) has installed improved irrigation systems like Drip and sprinkler at farmers field with tube wells for economizing irrigation use as water is main limiting factor. Fruit trees including Ber, guava, chiku, custard apple, Falsa, and Papaya have been planted with irrigation systems to increase farmer'’ income. Drought and Salt Tolerant plant species have also been introduced for facing abiotic stress. Plant protection methods and fertilizer requirements for fruit trees have been worked out. Field Days for farmer training have also been arranged.

Animal Sciences                                                                                                                        [Top]

In Animal Health, studies continued for ascerting magnitude of Warble fly infestation causing skin damages in cattle and goats in Rawalpindi division and training workshops were organized for the field veterinarians. The Brucella abortus strain-99 was grown in bulk and LPS was extracted which is being purified for use in standardization of ELIZA. Twelve new variants of H7N3 and H9N2 serotypes of Avian Influenza virus were isolated using PCR and Immunoflourescent antibody Assays. For infectious bronchitis disease of poultry, mass-41 type isolate of the virus was identified from the field specimens. Results of research on causes of failure of commercial vaccines against Gumboro disease of poultry indicated that a 60 KD protein capable of producing specific antibodies which is present in field isolates, is missing in D-78 strain of commercial vaccine.

In Animal Nutrition, maize, millet and sorghum fodders were compared for total biomass yield per acre and silage producing ability. Maize fodder was best in terms of yield as well as quality and digestibility of the silage. Sixteen forage species used for livestock feeding in Murree area were evaluated for nutritional quality and Polygonatum verticilla and Prunus padus were found best in terms of crude protein and TDN values, respectively. Camal feed resources in Kharan and Pishin districts of Balochistan were surveyed and evaluated for nutritional quality. Quality of Alhagi and Stipa species of plants was comparable to that of cereal fodders. The Feed Technology Units at NARC and Larkana produced 345 tones of cattle feed, 341 tones of camel feed and 6000 multi nutrient feed blocks which were sold to livestock farmers.

In Animal reproduction, studies on effect of holding/transporting time in ice water on quality of frozen bovine semen revealed that the semen quality can be successfully maintained for one hour in ice water. Buffalo semen doses containing 15 or 30 million sperms were equally good in terms of fertility. Studies on ovarian follicular dynamics and endocrine activity in postpartum buffaloes are in progress and ovarian functions alongwith levels of macro and micro minerals in blood of experimental buffaloes are being monitored. More than 17000 doses of high quality semen from buffalo, Friesian, Jersey and Sahiwal bulls were produced and sold to private livestock breeders.

In Dairy Technology Paneer Booti, a vegetable source of rennet was evaluated for its efficiency of cheese production from buffalo milk. The cheese prepared by the use of Paneer Booti was acceptable in terms of colour and flavour but its taste was not good. The starter culture method was found to be better than the citric acid addition method for cheese preparation from camel milk. the overall yield, protein contents and texture/flavour were better with the starter culture method. Three commercial brands of yoghurt were compared with local Dahi. The yoghurt was found to be better in terms of organoleptic evaluation as compared to Dahi. There was no significant variation in the quality of three brands of yoghurt.

Livestock Management & Breeding Initiated National Coordinated programmes on small ruminant Breeding and Large ruminant breeding in all provinces and AJK. Annual planning meetings were organized and the research plans for the next two years under each of the coordinated programme were developed.

Aquaculture and Fisheries. The biology and culture performance of big head carps was studied under pond system. The fish has been stocked in two ponds alongwith four pairs of brooders. Culture performance of big head carps is being recorded in monoculture as well as polyculture system. Preliminary preparation has been made for the introduction of American channel cat fish in pond culture system in Pakistan. experimental feeds containing 30% CP gave best growth performance of culturable carps when compared with 25% and 35% CP values. Rohu (Labeo rohita) was successfully bred by the use of synthetic hormone namely Ovaprim-C. the best dose of Ovaprim-C was found to be 0.5 ml per kg of fish body weight.

Natural Resources                                                                                                                        [Top]

Under Natural Resources Division, Institute of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences (INRES) carries out research on management of soil, water and rangeland resources as well honeybee and national herbarium at NARC. Import areas of research on soil fertility and plant nutrition, soil salinity, soil micro biology and bio chemistry, soil physics and mineralogy were addressed to realize the optimum production potential of soil resources, to ensure the efficiency of inputs as well as sustainability of soil health and productivity. Soil test based nutrient management and integrated nutrient management were studied under cotton-wheat and rice-wheat cropping systems in selected districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces. The nutrient indexing of soils of six also of micro Zink and Boron. For enhanced efficiency of P fertilizer, a seed cum fertilizer drill was developed which saves 50% of fertilizer while maintaining the crop yield. The rhizobium inoculums and soil amendments, soil amendments for salt affected soil and appropriate tillage practices were investigated as well.

Since water is scarce and limiting resource universally, therefore, water resources research was focused on irrigation systems and water management, water harvesting and conservation, resource use planning and Rod Kohi system development. The performance of pressurized irrigation system was enhanced while reducing its investment cost using the locally made components. The water surface run off and soil loss studies were carried out in selected catchment areas to devise optimum conservation strategies. The land use planning of Rod Kohi areas comprising of 40m ha was investigated using remote sensing data and 72% of this areas was found to be suitable for range land. Draft CD on Rural Poverty and Natural resources Endowment in Balochistan was done. Interventions like stone masonry lining, brick masonry and black polyethylene plastic lining were studied for reducing water losses in the field channels. To realize the optimum productive potential of vast range land areas of around 65m ha, studies on forage and pasture, agro-forestry and bio-diversity were conducted. The yield performance trial on exotic germplasm gave upto 9 ton/ha dry matter yield per year. The combination of leguminous plants with agronomic crops as well as forage grasses proved to be a good option for enhanced forage yield as well as improved fertility of the soil. The genetically superior quality honeybee queens produced at INRES combined with other refined management practices improved the yield of honey to 21 kg per colony per annum. The quality control of honey was another important aspect of honeybee research to ensure the maximum economic return to the beekeepers. After conducting exhaustive field surveys of the province, the draft of Flora of Sindh was prepared.

The Karakorum Agricultural Research Institute for Northern Areas (KARINA) has been able to identify promising varieties (Wafaq, Margallah, Sulaiman-96, and C-007), Maize (Babar), Mash(ES-1), Mung (NOM-209), Fodder( Alfa Alfa equarious, multicut bajra and Mott grass) and vegetable: (Raddish-Micro), Tomato (Roma), Onion (Swat-1)and Okra (Pusa) for Northern Areas. Wild Almond has been found as suitable root stock for stone fruits as it is disease resistant and positively affects the growth of grafted species. Some useful work has been undertaken on medicinal plants and trout to open new avenues of income generation for the farmers. Natural plantation of Seabuckthorn are being converted in to orchards to take full advantage of this valuable multipurpose species native to the Northern Areas.

Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC) has identified a new wheat variety (K-98) for Balochistan that is not only drought and cold tolerant but also resistant to yellow rust. One short duration line of barley (AZ-96) selected through screening has shown promising results. Two Atriplex varieties have been successfully grown in dhak area of Chaghi district. Nurseries have been established for multiplication of Atriplex and Salsola species in Noshki an important study on assessment of nutritional potential and performance of range species in Balochistan has also been initiated. AZRC’s strategic supplemental feeding method increased the sheep productivity from 60-65% to above 90% at farmer’s field level. The health cover package developed by AZRC reduced the sheep/goat mortality from 12 to 4%.

Social Sciences                                                                                                                        [Top]

The ambit of Social Sciences in PARC covers research on socioeconomic issues in the area of agriculture. The socioeconomic research includes diagnosis of factors limiting crop productivity, farm marketing, technology evaluation and its transfer to the farmers, farm planning and decision-making, cost of production, feasibility surveys, gender and development, agricultural trade, biometrics, etc.

The field research is conducted through six Technology Transfer Institutes (TTIs) located at the heart of the Provincial Agricultural Research System including AJK, Northern Areas and a Social Sciences Institute, NARC, Islamabad. The social sciences research is done in close collaboration with the biological and natural resources scientists. The social sciences research primarily focuses on supporting farm technology design and transfer to the farmers’ fields; besides, studies on measuring the impact of farm policies and technologies on farm output; poverty reduction, employment as well as problem identification; technology verification/validation; profitability analysis; and monitoring and evaluation.

During 2002, the major research projects cover, Determinants of lower wheat productivity in the major cropping systems of Pakistan; Economics of citrus and citrus marketing in Punjab; coconut betel leaf, and banana in Sindh, grapes in Balochistan, and off-season vegetables in NWFP; agricultural research priorities and planning of major crop and livestock commodities in Pakistan; production and marketing of chilies, onion, cut-flowers in Sindh; impact assessment studies of IPM in cotton zone and zero-tillage technologies in rice zone were carried out. In total 42 studies were completed. 

One of the new initiatives during the report period has been PARC’s resolve to grapple with the long-standing national problem of agricultural technology transfer. A process of rethinking agricultural extension has been initiated by involving all the stakeholders. Seven Technology Transfer Institutes have been established throughout Pakistan at Faisalabad, Tandojam, Peshawar, Islamabad, Quetta, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad (AJK) for speedy and sustained dissemination of the improved technology being continuously generated by the PARC scientists. This process of technology transfer is established in close collaboration and under a symbiotic relationship with the Provincial Extension Departments.

Through concerted efforts of the Agri-Business Directorate, the PARC has signed more than 35 MoUs with private sector firms/companies for commercial scale production of PARC-developed agricultural machinery, vaccines, animal feeds and insecticides, etc. Similarly, a large number of technologies are characterized to facilitate their evaluation for relevance, feasibility, resource requirements, and profitability for commercialization by the potential firms. 

PARC has launched a special campaign to research and propagate the knowledge about implications of WTO’s “Agreement on Agriculture” on Pakistan’s agriculture. Pakistan itself does not provide export subsidies. However, the elimination of export subsidies in the international market would affect Pakistan’s export and imports. Pakistan can benefit from liberalization, if it improves the quality of its exports, making these competitive with other countries and enhance the existing low productivity levels. To keep policy makers and the public abreast of the latest developments, a fortnightly newsletter “WTO Update” has been started and regularly published.

Research on gender issues affecting agriculture received a focused attention. The inequalities between genders undermine the effectiveness of development policies. Yet this issue often lies only at the periphery of decisions making process at national level. Part of the neglect comes from policy makers’ reluctance to deal with the topics associated with societal, religious, or cultural norms and traditions.