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ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005

Agriculture contributes substantially to the economy in terms of food, employment and foreign exchange earnings and will continue to be a very important sector of Pakistan's economy in the near future. However, the food supply demand projections based on the current low-investment / low growth in agricultural research, extension, education, infrastructure and irrigation forecast that large-scale agricultural commodity imports will be required. To decrease the widening gap between food supply and demand, Pakistan requires a high investment/ high growth strategy for agriculture. Investments need to be made in agricultural research, extension, education, infrastructure and irrigation with appropriate price and trade policy that will give rise to a substantial increase in productivity growth and production. No single element of this strategy can substantially increase productivity and agricultural production alone. However, agricultural research is the major driving force for continued increase in agricultural productivity growth and production on a sustained basis. The rate of return on investment in agricultural research in Pakistan is higher than the average rate of return from private sector investments.

However, the present status of funding for agricultural research in the country does not allow any meaningful research to be carried out. Therefore, an increase in funding to 1.5 percent of agricultural GDP as recommended by National Commission on Agriculture has to be made in order to achieve the desired results. In order to meet the demand of the present day agriculture and its future requirements, massive investment into agricultural research is absolutely essential. Several studies carried out in the recent past have categorically shown high return on such an investment. Simultaneously, the entire agricultural, education and extension system must be reorganized on modern lines.

The present agrarian economy is beset with realities of globalization. Pakistan is a signatory to several international treaties such as WTO. The SPS Agreement requires the agricultural commodities to meet certain sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Similarly, the eventual implementation of intellectual property right's; plant breeder's rights and other patents will create a totally new paradigm for agricultural productivity. Under these circumstances agricultural productivity has to be highly efficient and competitive.

For ensuring food security and self-reliance, transformation of agriculture from supply to demand side is necessary to keep modern marketing requirements in mind. This will be done to save the farmers from selling in depressed markets and buying inputs at inflationary rate. In fact, sustainable livelihood is a function of integrated farming. The most effective mechanism for poverty alleviation is to ensure appropriate returns of the product to the poor farmers. This can be accomplished if indigenous mechanisms are developed for price stabilization of surplus commodities so that the farming community is able to withstand the speculative fluctuations of the market. Coupled with this, is the systematic effort to establish a well-developed marketing system alongwith downstream processing for value addition of the product with export orientation. In this regard, as a strategy, emphasis must be given to horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables and floriculture in addition to fisheries and livestock. On the other hand, commodities that result in import substitution such as oilseed crops, tea and vegetable seeds must be encouraged.

To launch Pakistan's agriculture into the 21st century with self-reliance and determination, some bold initiatives on the part of government will be required, the major one being greater resource allocation to the agriculture sector. Being an agrarian economy, Pakistan has no other option but to strengthen its agricultural research base to ensure food security, poverty alleviation and export orientation aimed at prosperity of the farming community and the nation.

During the year 2004-05 GOP allocated Rs. 458 million for current expenditure budget to PARC. Since the supplementary demand lodged during 2004-05 was not approved by the Federal Government, two ad-hoc relief's of 15% each and one of 75% announced by G.OP had to be absorbed in approved allocation. The inflationary effect of prices also further squeezed the operational budget, which was Rs. 32 million during 2004-05. Against the demand of Rs. 177.195 million for development expenditure, Rs. 162.392 million was allocated by the Government of Pakistan for 5 on-going and 8 new projects for the year in local currency only. Subsequently the budget was revised to Rs. 160.041 million. The funds of one project namely Re-structuring and Strengthening of Agricultural Research System included in revised action plan was not released. As a result, the funds of Rs. 38.574 million were surrendered including Rs. 10.000 million not received by the Council.

PARC works in close collaboration with the provincial research institutes and the universities. The Provincial Secretaries of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry Departments, Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and farmers/end users are represented on the PARC Board of Governors (BOG). The collaboration has been further institutionalized by PARC through the forum of Research Advisory Committee and eight Technical Committees. The provincial Directors General/Directors of Research/Extension Departments, University Professors as well as progressive farmers are represented on these Technical Committees.

Fourteen national coordinated research programs on different crop commodities are being implemented by PARC at the national level in collaboration with the provincial /federal research/education institutions and these provide yet another mechanism for strengthening the linkages between PARC and the provincial research/education. In addition, PARC also sponsors research in the provincial institutions on priority problems through contract research projects, which are implemented by scientists of provincial institutes and universities.

The seminars/ conferences and national meetings organized by PARC are also attended by the provincial experts, which provide a platform to work together for research development in agriculture.

The Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC), which recommends the release of new varieties of crops is headed by Member (Crop Sciences) of PARC. The varieties developed by the provincial research institutes are evaluated by this Committee on which the provincial scientists from all the provinces are represented. PARC is conducting National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT) which aim at evaluating candidate varieties developed by the breeders of the federal/provincial institutes/stations for their yield ability, adaptation to different agro-ecological zones, disease resistance and other characteristics.

To facilitate linkages with the provincial agricultural research system and closer interaction with federal and provincial institutions, regional research offices/ stations have been established. Memoranda of understanding with universities and national level research organizations have also been signed to activate collaboration and benefit from each other. This has always been a significant initiative of PARC. The representation of Chairman PARC as member & Chairman of various committees and sub committees further fosters the efficient-cum-sufficient linkages and coordination among the national organizations.

Policy formulation at the federal level like Food and Agriculture, Planning and Development, Finance and Science and Technology are represented on the Board of Governors of PARC. Issues of national importance having bearing on agricultural research and development in the country and identified in the PARC Board of Governors are taken up with the concerned federal Ministries/ Departments. Similarly, PARC scientific staff serves on the Technical Committees and Governing Bodies of federal organizations like PCRWR, PAEC, STEDEC, Federal Agriculture Committee, University Grants Commission, Universities and Planning and Development Division.

USAID and World Bank have been the major donors to the national agricultural research system in Pakistan. The assistance of Canada (CIDA, IDRC) UNDP/FAO, AIDAB, ADAB (Australia), Japan, Switzerland and Italy has also been substantial. PARC as the focal point of the national agricultural research system in Pakistan has been functioning and will continue to function as a conduit for exchange of knowledge, skills and technical materials between federal and provincial research to stimulate the progress of their own agricultural development. PARC serves as the main channel to the Pakistan's national agricultural research network for access to CGIAR's system. Several research and training projects have been implemented in Pakistan in PARC's own and provincial research institutes with the cooperation of experts of the international agricultural research centers.

Agreements have also been concluded with international donors, friendly countries and other national research organizations. These have not only resulted in reducing resource constraints in the Pakistan system but have also helped the national system in sharing knowledge and expertise with others for up-gradation of the local capabilities. Participation in international workshops/seminars and study tours abroad provide to the Pakistani scientist an opportunity for developing fruitful contacts with foreign experts. PARC has been freely sending abroad on an average more than 30 scientists per annum during the last 5 years from all over the country.

The Planning Directorate is responsible for planning, processing, monitoring, review and evaluation of projects funded out of i) GOP-The PSDP Projects and ii) Agri Research Endowment Fund-The Agricultural Linkages Program in collaboration with USDA.

A new mega project entitled "Researching and Strengthening of National Agricultural Research System in "Balochistan" costing Rs. 614.103 million for 60 months was prepared and submitted to GOP for approval. The same has been approved by ECNEC. The project will be executed by PARC at nine locations in Balochistan. During 2004-05 six new development projects of PARC were included in PSDP. Three new projects of PARC were approved by DDWP of MINFAL for funding out of ASPL-I I.

Since its creation ALP has played a vital role in stimulating agricultural research activities. So far, PARC has launched two batches of Agricultural Linkages Program for funding the research projects. In the first batch of 116 approved projects 64 are ongoing, 2 have been dropped, 2 have been terminated, 5 are in process of agreement and 43 projects have been completed. In the second batch 644 preliminary proposals were received. Out of the 267 short listed proposals, 222 projects were processed for final approval by TAC & BOD. In addition to 90 already approved projects, the BOD in its meeting held on Feb. 15, 2005 approved 45 more projects out of 51 submitted for final approval.

By investing the Endowment Fund of Rs. 1300 million in different Govt. schemes, an income of Rs.377.644 million has been generated. An amount of Rs. 221. 097 million has been released in respect of on- going projects. To keep the project activities on track, the monitoring and on-site review & evaluation of the projects is being regularly conducted by the ALP Secretariat in collaboration with Technical Divisions of PARC.

Under Training of Trainer (ToT) Programme, 17 courses were conducted by the Institute during the report year wherein several extension agents, livestock village extension workers, farmers, NGOs etc were trained. The Institute also produced and telecasted two panel discussions on Rabi Crops, four interviews and documentaries, two character based TV programs and seven programs on Kissan Time. Seventy five radio programs were produced & broadcasted including 35 character based radio programs, 40 radio commercials and several other radio programs on different agricultural technologies. AVC studio has produced 3 programs on audio cassettes. 1013 Calls were attended & responded at PARC HELPLINE at 0800-55056. Under (AREA Project, an Agricultural Technology Information (ATI) Bank was established at Technology Transfer Institute. During the year 71 publications were produced.

NARC library continued to work as national agricultural research and reference facility. It is fully computerized with automated catalogue and circulation system. The PARC website is one of the largest on agricultural R&D in Pakistan. Users from all over the World visit it frequently. More than 265 Agro-forum members actually take part in online discussions on agriculture in general and agricultural research in particular through e-mail.

To facilitate agricultural research community in identifying, locating, searching and retrieving national literature, the Directorate maintained Pakistan Agricultural Database (CATPAK) containing references of documents published in Pakistan or elsewhere in the world regarding Pakistan's agriculture. The database contains around 47 thousand records. The Directorate also maintains Union Database of Journals containing information of journal and magazine titles with available volume and issues in 35 libraries of Pakistan to facilitate resource sharing and networking of libraries. The facility of online searching was established and launched during the report year. Most of the scientists are using this facility for their research work. Fresh arrivals in the library are also regularly updated on PARC website.

During the year three periodicals namely PARC Annual Report, Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, (Quarterly) and PARC News (monthly) were published. Other publications such as brochures, booklets, leaflets, invitation cards, both in Urdu and English were also published. In addition, in-house composing, designing of titles of PARC/NARC publications, charts, name cards, display boards, invitation cards, calligraphy and other artistic services were also provided to different institutes of PARC/NARC. The Directorate participated in the exhibitions organized on the occasion of World Food Day and NARC Open House.

PARC being an apex national agricultural research organization has helped to evolve the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), covering federal and provincial research institutions. The Crop Sciences Division through its research establishments has developed 11 National Coordinated Research Programs for the NARS, covering field and horticultural crops. The collaborating institutions include: agricultural research institutions of the four provinces; Northern Areas; and AJ&K. The National Coordinators located at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) are responsible for providing leadership in the area of planning, coordination and implementation of research in a given crop commodity. The Program Leaders at the NARC and other establishments of the Crop Sciences Division manage research in their respective disciplines.

In addition to national coordination network for commodities, the scientists of national and international repute are engaged in research on various commodities and disciplines at NARC. Besides this, many foreign funded projects including collaborative projects with the CG system are being undertaken at NARC.

The Crop Sciences Division provides technical guidance for planning, coordination and evaluation of research for the crop sector, covering different commodities and related disciplines.

The Natural resources due to their tremendous importance in food security, environmental conservation and sustainable development have attained highest priority on the global research and development agenda. Scientists all over the world are seriously concerned about the rapid degradation of the resource endowments, particularly land, water, forests, rangelands and bio-diversity; and are making strenuous efforts for their conservation and improvement.

PARC through its Natural Resources Division is also engaged in the management and conservation of the rapidly deteriorating natural resources of the country for increasing and sustaining agricultural productivity. The Division's research focus is oriented towards management of land, water, range and forestry resources and generation of innovative technologies for boosting the agricultural productivity under the arid and mountainous environmental conditions. The research agenda of the Division is accomplished through its research establishments, namely (1) Institute of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (INRES) at NARC, Islamabad, (2) The Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC) at Quetta (3) and the institutes, each at Bahawalpur, Umerkot and D.I. Khan and (4) The Karakorum Agriculture Research Institute for Northern Areas (KARINA) at Gilgit.

The research activities of the Division during the year 2004-05 revolved around better management practices for efficient use of scarce resources of water and fertilizer, development of bio-fertilizers for leguminous crops and the management of salt-affected lands on scientific lines. A research program was pursued on improvement of forage and grass species and developing management techniques for rangeland rehabilitation in different ecologies of the country. Concerted efforts were made to identify cold, drought and disease resistant varieties for arid and mountain environments of the country. Research on various aspects of horticulture and medicinal plants was also undertaken. Integrated bee management practices resulted in substantial increase in production of honey.

Pakistan has a large population of livestock well adopted to the local environmental conditions, but overall productivity per animal is low mainly because of poor genetic potential of indigenous breeds, in-efficient utilization of available feed resources and inadequate health cover facilities. Animal sciences research in PARC attempts to address these national issues. In PARC establishments, livestock and fisheries research is mainly conducted at the Animal Sciences Institute, NARC Islamabad. However, smaller programmes are also in operation at AZRC Quetta, SARC Karachi and KARINA Gilgit.

During 2004-05, the Animal Sciences Research focused on the disciplines of Animal Health, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproduction, Animal Breeding and Fisheries &Aquaculture. In Animal Health, PARC has been in the forefront regarding control of Avian Influenza in Pakistan. This year, persistence and shedding of Avian influenza virus was studied in domestic and wild birds and a national disease monitoring set-up was established. Under this set-up, data on surveillance pattern of different sero-types of avian influenza in Pakistan have been generated. A National Poultry Reference Laboratory has been established at NARC where modern diagnostic tests (like PCR and ELISA) are being established and standardized. Studies on biology and mapping of warble fly have revealed that this disease is prevalent in hilly and desert areas of all four provinces of Pakistan. A successful strategy for its control is being planned. A national database for peste des petite ruminant (PPR) has been developed using TAD INFO. Epidemiology of PPR has been investigated in twenty five (25) villages in all the four provinces, AJK & Northern Areas. Over the last five years 526 suspected outbreaks of PPR have occurred in Pakistan making this disease a fast emerging infection in sheep and goats of Pakistan. The possible transmission factors include animal movements, prolong drought, livestock markets and a role for wild life. A strategy for control of PPR will be developed during next three years.

In Animal Nutrition, a mineral premix profile was developed for lactating buffaloes. Feeding of mineral mixture increased the daily milk yield and milk fat content and improved the reproductive performance. Series of experiments on refinement of urea molasses blocks (UMB) technology have revealed that UMB containing 5% level of corn gluten meal and 11 % urea showed best results in the form of digestibility, growth rate and feed conversion ratio in male buffalo calves. Nutritional profile of coconut oil meal (COM) for poultry was determined. Feeding trials of COM to broiler chicks revealed that it can be successfully used up to 7.5% in the broiler ration without any adverse effect.

Under the Animal Reproduction research, ultrasonography technique has been successfully used in buffaloes and sheep for monitoring the reproductive functions and onset of pregnancy. With the use of ultrasonography, pregnancy can be accurately diagnosed in buffaloes and sheep by day 26 and 45, respectively. Semen research has indicated that swim-up and percoll gradient tests can be successfully used with almost similar efficiency for harvesting the viable sperms for in-vitro fertility assessment of cattle and buffalo bulls. As an off- short of semen research, more than 2000 doses of semen were also produced and sold to interested veterinarians and A.l technicians.

Under the National Coordinated programme on Small Ruminant Breeding, production performance of five breeds of sheep (Balkhi, Kajli, Rambouillet, Balochi and Poonchi) and six breeds of goats (Dera Din Panah, Beetal, Kamori, Kooka, Damani and Barbari) is being studied in Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan and AJK. Under the National Coordinated Programme on Large Ruminant Breeding, genetic evaluation studies of Nili-Ravi buffaloes and Sahiwal, Holstien Friesian, Jersey and Tharparkar cows are underway in Punjab, NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan. The study of small-scale market oriented dairy system have showed that about one third of all lactating animals were suffering from sub-clinical mastitis and the milk production was lowest in June to August and highest in March to September.

Under the Aquaculture & Fisheries research, performance of Bighead carp was studied in the polyculture system. Fish weight after 12 months was highest for Bighead carp followed by Silver carp and Grass carp. The Bighead carp is an omnivorous fish with main preference for zooplanktons. The American Channel Cat Fish has been successfully cultured under pond conditions for the first time in Pakistan. When fed on diet containing 30% CP, the Cat Fish can attain the weight of 1.2 kg in 9 months. Its growth however, becomes retarded if the content of fish meal in the diet is replaced by soyabeen meal. The best stocking density of American Channel Cat Fish was found to be 2400 fish per hectare. Polyculture of fresh water prawn with the carps resulted in higher biological yields of fish and provided one and a half time more return to the farmers. However, the problem of juvenile prawn still continues and there is a need to establish a prawn hatchery in the county.

The Social Sciences Division (SSD) operates through a network of seven research establishments. These include Social Sciences Institute (SSI) at NARC agricultural research systems, AJK, and Northern Areas. These Institutes undertake socio-economic research as well as technology transfer programs in order to meet diverse information needs of growers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders. The TTIs work in close partnership with the provincial agricultural research and extension systems, NGOs and other stakeholders.

The spectrum of research and technology transfer activities accomplished by the SSD research establishments is broad and diverse. Each institute develops its work plan on priority issues and problems surfaced as a result of diagnostic studies, Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) and regular dialogues with the agricultural research, extension, agribusiness and other partners at the federal, provincial, and district levels.

During 2004-05, the SSD and its satellite institutes have completed sixty-one research studies. These studies analyzed diverse issues in the arena of crops, livestock, and natural resources. A variety of means for scientific information transfer to the growers were employed so that the farming community adopts the recommended crop and livestock production technologies. Twenty-eight WTO seminars were organized at the provincial and district levels for creating awareness among the stakeholders regarding the impact of globalization on the agro-based economy of Pakistan. Stakeholders representing diverse groups of policymakers, scientists, extension workers, progressive growers, representatives of chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture participated in these seminars.

The SSD also orchestrated an annual seminar program for its satellite institutes as well as SSI at NARC during 2004-05. The Program included eighty seminars across the country which covered a wide spectrum of the research subjects and diverse disciplines wherein a large number of biological and natural resources scientists, extension agents, NGOs and management professionals participated.

The SSD has international collaboration with IFPRI, ICARDA, CYMMIT, FAO, CABI, etc. through MoUs/Work Plans and Projects in which the SSD is the participating agency. Besides these accomplishments, three MoUs were inked with private and corporate sectors to commercialize the PARC Technologies/ Processes.

The WTO-Food & Agriculture Related Matters (WTO-FARM) Cell of PARC led by the National Coordinator/ WTO Focal Person on Sanitary & Phyto Sanitary (SPS) issues, besides advising MINFAL on SPS Strategy, published research-based book on "Food Security in Rural Pakistan and WTO and OIC Member States" in addition to series of research papers, focusing on the impact of WTO on Pakistan's agriculture in the context of poultry, citrus & mangoes. National Coordinator WTO Cell worked as a resource person for the Pakistan Administrative Staff College (PASC), N IPA and many regional & international bodies. This research work is available on the website and is being widely acknowledged.

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