PARC E.News

Course on Micro-propagation in Banana

A training course on “micropro-pagation in banana” was organized by the Institute of Agriculture Biotechnology & Genetic Resources (IABGR) in collaboration with Training Institute at NARC. The objective of the course was to disseminate the technology developed by PARC scientists to provincial institutions. Dr. N.I. Hashmi, CS-II/Incharge, Crop Sciences Division inaugurated the course.

Theoretical lectures and laboratory know how were imparted to participants. Lectures on “Basic techniques in tissue culture, banana micro propagation, role of biotechnology in agriculture, virus elimination through tissue culture and detection of BBTV by different techniques were also delivered. Practical work on selection of source material from field, explant excision, media preparation and autoclaving, sterilization of explant, culturing and transfer of rooted plants to soil were also discussed in the course. ELISA for Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) was performed with the help of Virology Programme (IPEP). The course was organized in a way that participants could initiate cultures, multiply in vitro and finally transfer them in the field at their respective research stations.

Dr. Rashid Anwar, Dy. Director General (IABGR) chaired the concluding session and awarded certificates among the participants.

Ten participants from Tissue Culture Labs of Thatta, Tandojam, Faisalabad, Quetta, Peshawar and two from NARC attended the course.

A group photo of the porticipernts at training course on micropropagation in banana at NARC

PARC Develops Two High-yielding Lentil Varieties

The Pulses Programme of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), has developed a couple of new high-yielding varieties of lentil (Masoor), one each for irrigated and rainfed areas.

The breeder of these varieties, Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob said that both the varieties are high yielding and well adapted to NWFP, especially southern districts of the province, and are also fit for the climatic conditions of some other parts of the country.

The NWFP Seed Council has approved the newly developed varieties Masoor-2004 and Ratta Kulachi-2004. Masoor-2004 has been developed for irrigated and rice-based farming system while Ratta Kulachi-2004 has been evolved for rainfed areas.

Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob has been working in the Pulses Programme of PARC at Dera Ismail Khan who has been conducting research on pulse crops in collaboration with the NWFP Agricultural Research System for the past 18 years. He is also one of the breeders of a high-yielding chickpea variety, Sheenghar-2000.

Dr. Yaqoob is also running a Pakistan-US collaborative research project of ALP on moth bean crop. He has thankfully acknowledged all types of support extended by PARC Chairman, Dr. Badaruddin Soomro and NWFP's Director General Research in conducting the fruitful research. He also thanked National Coordinator Pulses Dr. A.M. Haqqani for providing valuable germplasm.

INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF TEA PLANTATION IN AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR

Tea being an agricultural plantation crop and a major revenue generator is playing a vital role in the socio economic development of the country. The present Govt. is taking keen interest to promote tea plantation and its cultivation where ever feasible. Luckily some parts of Azad Jammu & Kashmir ie “Athmuqam and Neelam Valley” are also suitable for tea plantation having an ideal pH of soil. Keeping in view its importance, a pilot project is being initiated by the AJK Govt. which is sponsored by Pakistan Science Foundation, Islamabad with technical assistance of National Tea Research Institute (PARC), Shinkiari. The National Tea Research Institute will provide technical know how and plantation material to AJK Valley.

In this regard a ceremony on tea plantation in AJK, Muzaffarabad was held on 23rd June 2004.which was inaugurated by the President of Azad Jummu & Kashmir, Maj.Gen. (R) Sardar Anwar Khan. Addressing the occasion Maj.Gen. (R) Sardar Anwar Khan appreciated the financial support of Pakistan.Science Foundation and technical assistance of NTRI/PARC in increasing the area under tea. This will help in reducing tea import and saving foreign exchange,he added. Chairman PSF, Dr. Farid A.Malik also addressed with deep concern and said that initially the people of AJK will create a cottage industry to create employment opportunities. The representative of PARC/NTRI Mr. Sair Sarwar Scientific Officer also spoke on this occasion. He assured that NTRI would extend full support for tea plantation in the Valley. The President AJK was also briefed about tea cultivation by Mr. Sarwar, Scientific Officer (NTRI). Earlier on his arrival, the Vice Chancellor of AJK University recieved the President of Azad Jummu & Kashmir, Maj.Gen. (R) Sardar Anwar Khan.The ceremony ended with the vote of thanks by the Vice Chancellor of AJK University.

ShinkiariPresident of AJK Maj. Gen (R) Sardar Anwar Khan watching Tea saplings at NTRI, Shinkiari.

Agriculture biotechnology — key to economic prosperity: Dr. Soomro

“Biotechnology can play a vital role in the development of agriculture sector since it has the capacity to revolutionize agriculture, health, industry and environment sectors to meet the challenges of WTO”. This was stated by Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council , Dr. Badaruddin Soomro while chairing the first session of a three day National Conference on Biotechnology at Nathiagali on Aug. 16.

The Conference was organized by the National Commission on Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission , Pakistan Science Foundation and the Higher Education Commission.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Badaruddin Soomro stated that biotechnology can help the food deficit countries to find latest solutions to their existing problems. He said biotechnology has substantially contributed to revolutionize agriculture, resulting in better understanding of plant and animal functions, use of molecular markers for speedy breeding, characterization, conservation and exploitation of genetic resources, powerful and sensitive diagnostic tools to manage parasites, pests and pathogens and also development of vaccines for protection of livestock from fatal diseases.

Dr. Soomro said that in Pakistan drought is becoming a major threat to our crops every year particularly in Balochistan and some rainfed areas of Sindh and Punjab. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anwar Nasim, Chairman, National Commission on Biotechnology said that Pakistani researchers have indigenously evolved genetically modified varieties of various cash and food crops which are ready to be launched but absence of biosafety guidelines is a hindrance towards the delay of these high yielding, pest resistant crops to the farmers. This is causing enormous loss to the national economy. Farmers are eager to sow high yielding crops and are being lured to smuggle foreign non-approved varieties which are not suitable and are resulting in various crop diseases as experienced in the recent past. The deformities caused by such illicit seed varieties are a lingering menace and take very long to cure.

Dr.Anwar Nasim informed that the entire technical groundwork for the preparation of biosafety guidelines has been prepared by all the stakeholders since 1999, but the Ministry of Environment has failed to take any decision in this regard. Through the courtesy of this National Conference, Dr. Anwar Nasim urged the policymakers for an early solution to this vital issue.

Explaining the crux of the problem, Dr. Anwar Nasim lamented the lack of professionalism prevailing in the Ministry of Environment and said that the problem lingers on due to the absence of technical experts in the cadres of the concerned Ministry.

Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Secretary, National Commission on Biotechnology while explaining the aims and objectives said that in the recent past, government had approved 60 projects worth Rs. 950 million in agriculture biotechnology which were entrusted to various national institutes. This Conference had been called to enable the researchers to present their successes and findings and to chalk out the course of action for the future.

Dr. Hamid Rashid, Programme Leader, Biotechnology Institute, NARC elaborating the objectives said that agriculture biotechnology will enable the Research Council to increase quantity and quality of food to feed the growing number of the world population in the 21st century.

Scientists to meet WTO challenges for boosting farm sector: Qureshi

Secretary Food, Agriculture and Livestock, M.Ismail Qureshi has urged the agriculture scientists to get fully prepared to meet the fast approaching WTO challenges.

“We must pick our agricultural and livestock products effectively so as to compete with the world market,” Ismail Qureshi maintained during a visit to Pakistan Agricultural Research Council on Aug. 11. He was of the view that Pakistan being part of the international community, was comparatively well placed to get maximum benefits and opportunities in the global trade.

The Secretary urged the concerned organizations to sensitize the people about WTO challenges and assured that all possible assistance would be extended to PARC in achieving its set objectives. Earlier, Dr. Badaruddin Soomro, Chairman, PARC highlighted the role and the vision of the Council and its achievements in agricultural research. He said despite serious financial constraints and other vital support, the scientists engaged in agriculture and livestock research have contributed a lot in boosting these two vital sectors of the country.

Nematodes killing project ends with success

Date farmers of Balochistan can now control nematodes pest attacks on their date palms by using organic amendment vis-à-vis castor oil cakes, mustard oil cakes and marigold.

A project titled “Investigation of Plant parasitic nematodes and pseudomonas associated with date-palm in Balochistan and their management by organic amendments” has been successfully completed. It was a three-year project from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2004 sponsored by Pakistan Science Foundation. This less expensive treatment for date-palm nematodes and pseudomonas parasites was discovered by the CDRI, SARC, Karachi. The study will help the date farmers to reduce their treatment with an organic solution.

PICTURES GALLARY

A view of the BOG meeting held at PARC on Aug,23

Rs. 614m okayed to strengthen agri research: Rind

Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind said that a project worth Rs.614 million has been approved to strengthen national agricultural research programme besides enhancing farm production.

He was addressing a Press Conference after presiding over 23rd meeting of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Board of Governors at PARC on Aug. 23. He said the research programmes would also be started in all the four provinces.

The Minister stated that under the first phase of the project approved by PARC Board of Governors, five new research centres would be set up and four old centres would be made operational in Balochistan.

In a statement that he read out on the occasion, Rind said the proposed project would help generate 362 employments and offer 20 Ph.Ds as well as 20 M.Sc degree courses to the local students which would enable them to carry out the project.

He said we would try to get more funds for research and extension work to facilitate the farmers.

To a question on cancellation of wheat import contract with Australia, the Agriculture Minister said by resorting to this act the government saved the future wheat production in the country because Australian wheat was harmful to local produce of the vital commodity. Answering another query about shortage of irrigation water, Rind said President Musharaf had launched a mega project of Rs.66 billion to save wastage of irrigation. “As many as 86,000 water courses will be built in the country during the next four years which will help save 30 per cent wastage of irrigation water,” he added.

Livestock Experts Meet EU Envoy

“The Ambassador of European Union Michael Dale has said that Pakistan's livestock sector can surely rise to the occasion in WTO regime if due attention is paid to it.

He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Livestock Research Scientists Association (PLHRSA) who called on him in Islamabad headed by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Matiullah, the President of PLHRSA.

Dr. Dale was apprised by the delegation of latest homeo research of livestock sector. He was informed that National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), University of Animal Sciences, Lahore, Agriculture University Faisalabad and other institutions had certified the efficacy and harmlessness of homeo drugs for the treatment of Foot and Mouth Disease FMD and other viral diseases of herds.

Mr. Michael Dale held a brief of the latest research and said it should be disseminated to the end users for the development of disease free herds.

“Pakistan can gain ground in international trade of livestock and its products during the WTO regime by improving this sector,” he added. Dale also appreciated the efforts of researchers and assured them his cooperation.

New cotton varieties can boost export: Dr. Hayee

Cultivation of non-traditional cotton varieties can save farmers from the onslaught of WTO regime and make agriculture a rewarding enterprise in the coming era of global free trade This was stated by Dr. Abdul Hayee Qureshi, Incharge, WTO Cell, Social Sciences Division, PARC while delivering a seminar on “Globalization: Challenges to Pakistan's Agriculture” at Mian Channu on Aug.04. Mr. Saleem Nihang, Executive District Officer (Agriculture Extension), Khanewal presided over the seminar. Mr. Farhat Ullah Khan, Progressive Farmer, Mian Channu also graced the function.

Speaking on the occasion Saleem Nihang, said that cotton crop like agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's export. He stressed upon the researchers to produce disease resistant and high yielding cotton varieties for increased productivity. He further said that competition under globalization is possible only when we bring innovations into the agriculture system and adopt modern technologies right from production to marketing and processing. He lauded the efforts of PARC for arranging the seminar on WTO.

Mr. Farhat Ullah Khan, Progressive Farmer while appreciating the efforts of PARC and TTI, Faisalabad said that Pakistan should diversify its agriculture both in terms of market

and production for enhanced exports and foreign earnings under the multilateral trading system. However, he expressed his concern over the lapse of almost ten years when Pakistan signed the WTO agreement in 1994. He said that the government should adopt a sound agriculture policy to enable farmers reap the opportunity that WTO offers.

Dr. Qureshi highlighted the main principles of the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). He said that globalization is an ongoing phenomenon and we cannot escape ourselves from it. Therefore, we must ensure quality and cost competitiveness in our products for prosperous agriculture. He also highlighted the importance of cotton crop in Pakistan's overall exports and its potential of increasing share in the quota free regime. He further said that there are many crops and plants which can yield high profit in the world market if we start cultivating those domestically. Introduction of non-traditional crops therefore seems inevitable in the years to come.

Dr. Qureshi expressed the need that developed States must rationalize the agreements negotiated under WTO for providing equal opportunities to the developing countries in order to enable them develop their economies and make progress

Secretary MINFAL Visits PARC: Agri Targets to be Achieved by Strengthening NARS: Dr. Soomro

“Agricultural targets cannot be achieved without strengthening the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in the country”.

This was stated by the Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Dr. Badaruddin Soomro, while giving a briefing to the Federal Secretary, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock , Mr. M. Ismail Qureshi at the PARC Headquarters on Aug. 11.

Dr. Badaruddin Soomro, apprised the Secretary, MINFAL about the contributions of PARC towards the development of National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in the country.

Briefing the statutory functions, he said that PARC undertakes and coordinates agricultural research through its various research establishments spread all over the country. PARC has also trained high level scientific manpower for the purpose. Generating, acquiring and disseminating agriculture information, in addition to establishing and maintaining a research library is also the major mandate of PARC. He said PARC has completed 49 projects, established 120 buildings, labs and, 33 farms, supplied equipments, vehicles, computers and coordinated with fourteen programmes.

Dr. Soomro said the government has allowed PARC to establish an Agricultural Research Endowment Fund where all proceeds raised from the sale of US wheat shall be transferred. The income thus generated shall be used for ALP activities in line with the Pakistan's long term research and development goals. The goals focus on food security, poverty alleviation and promotion of broad based equitable and sustainable agriculture.

He apprised the Federal Secretary regarding the new initiatives of the PARC, which included Reorganization of PARC, Strengthening of coordinated research programmes, Launching of ALP projects, Strengthening of Grain Quality Testing Labs (GQTL) at Karachi and Islamabad, Tea Research and Development, IPM programme in Sindh and Punjab, Saline agriculture in collaboration with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and introduction of an effective mechanism for technology transfer.

Dr. Soomro informed that Pakistan earns a major share of its foreign exchange from agricultural exports. Since the international market for agricultural products is highly competitive, it is important that national products compete in quality and prices. However, continuous research efforts are required to improve the quality of national products, he added.

He also apprised the Federal Secretary about future research thrusts, productivity enhancement, import substitution, tea plantation, oil seed production, oilseed strategy, export orientation and sustainable use of resources. He further informed that PARC is maintaining a Gene Bank at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to collect, evaluate, conserve and utilize the plant genetic resources to improve crop variety.

He further said that the germplasm of a large number of plant species is also distributed to different research organizations, agricultural universities within and outside the country for its utilization in different breeding programmes for crop improvement.

Dr. Badaruddin Soomro has shown great concern over paucity of funds for agricultural research. He said that reduction in research budget will create a negative impact on research activities. However, 185 Ph.D. agriculture scientists are playing their effective role in strengthening the NARS in the existing budget.

Dr. Soomro informed the Federal Secretary about the issues of the National Agricultural Research System which includes autonomy of PARC, empowerment of Board of Governors, coordination among NARS, research extension linkages, career structure of agriculture scientists.

Addressing the agriculture scientists Federal Secretary, MINFAL. Mr. M. Ismail Qureshi said that present government is giving top priority to the economic uplift of the agriculture sector. He appreciated the efforts of the PARC scientists for development of agriculture sector and said that special efforts are also needed to develop an effective mechanism for farmers or stakeholders in order to enable them get access to the national and international markets.

He said agriculture sector on which 75 per cent of our population depends for their livelihood, needs to be boosted to meet the forthcoming challenges of WTO. He highlighted various aspects of WTO and the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) and its implications on Pakistan's agriculture.

He urged the scientists to sensitize the challenges of World Trade Organization (WTO) to overcome its complications.

Federal Secretary expressed his satisfaction over the performance of PARC. He said that mega projects launched by PARC would definitely bring major changes in the economy of the country.

Secretary Minfal, M. Ismail Qureshi addressing the scientists at PARC during his visit on Aug,11

Advisory body satisfied over PARC Research activities

The high-level Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) expressed satisfaction over the overall research activities in agriculture and livestock sectors.

The RAC in its meeting held at PARC on Aug. 09 with Dr. Badaruddin Soomro, Chairman PARC in chair reviewed in detail the performance of the Council, its field directorates and research outlets.

Delivering his keynote address Dr. Soomro expressed his determination in carrying out the mission and mandate assigned to PARC with regard to implementation of National Agricultural Research System in the country.

Eulogizing the role of the Advisory Committee, he said the entire Council works on the widsom and guidelines from RAC members which go a long way in achieving the set objectives.

He also highlighted the activities of the Council during the past two years vis-à-vis financial constraints and other bottlenecks.

Dr. Soomro assured that suggestions, inputs and recommendations of the Advisory Committee would be taken care of, since RAC is of immense importance to PARC.

He also highlighted the research activities and future plans saying that it was necessary to develop agricultural research system on modern lines, keeping in view the breakthrough in agriculture sector in the region.

Dr. Soomro maintained that despite financial constraints and other obstacles, the country has been able to increase its agricultural yield, especially in sugar, cotton, rice and wheat crops due to extensive research work of scientists.

The Chairman pointed out new projects that were either launched or were in the pipeline, in all the four provinces including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas.

Earlier, Dr. A.K. Khanzada, MNA and one of the RAC members gave assurances that the Members of the Parliament would extend cooperation to PARC with regard to meeting its budgetary needs so that research activities could continue uninterrupted.

He also called upon the Ministry of Finance to provide required funds to the Council for this purpose.

Dr. Farid A. Malik, Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation gave suggestions for technology transfer initiatives.

Chairman PARC Dr. Badaruddin Soomro addressing RAC meeting at PARC on Aug,09.

Fresh Arrivals

The following journals/magazines/books and documents were received in PARC/NARC Libraries during August, 2004.

PARC

1 Akhbar-e-Urdu. 2004.

2 Agricultural Research.2004.

3 California Agriculture. 2004.

4 Development & Cooperation. 2004.

5 The Economist.2004.

6. Finance & Development. 2004.

7. Industrial Bulletin. 2004. 8 Info Musa. 2003.

9 Jadeed Zarat (Urdu) 2004.

10. National Geographic . 2004.

11. News Week.2004.

12 PARC News. July, 2004.

13 Pakistan HVACR Journal. 2004.

14 Agriculture statistics of Sindh by Bureau of

Statistics. 2003.

15. Agriculture Perspective and Policy by MINFAL.

2004.

16. Beekeeping and Sustainable Livelihood by FAO.

2004.

17. Development Statistics of Sind-2003 by Bureau of

Statistics.

18. Food Industrialization and Food Power by IIED.

2004

19. Food Outlook Highlights by FAO. 2004.

20. Genetics and Breeding for rust resistance in Wheat

in India and Pakistan/ACIAR. 2004.

21. High Hopes for Post-Harvest/FAO. 2004.

22. Livelihoods grow in gardens/FAO. 2004.

23. Processed Foods for Improved Livelihoods/

BT FAO. 2004.

24. The Punjab Local Govt. Ordinance. 2001 by Aftab

Ahmed Bajwa. 2004.

25. Protein Source for the Animal Feed Industry/ FAO

2004.

26. Socio - economics Research Studies 2002-2003;

Punjab, Northern Areas, Balochistan, NWFP,

Sindh,

Federal Area, AJ&K by PARC.

NARC

1. Agronomy Journal. 2004. 2. American Journal of

Potato Research. 2004.

3. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences. 2004.

4. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science.

2004.

5. Crop Protection. 2004.

6. Crop Science. 2004.

7. Current Contents of Journals on Diskettes with

Abstracts AB& ES. 2003.

8. Development and Cooperation (D+C). 2004.

9. Feed Management. 2004.

10. Food Technology. 2004.

11. Hamdard Medicus. 2003.

12. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology 2004.

13. Irrigation and Drainage. 2004.

14. Journal of Animal Science. 2004.

15. JIRCAS Newsletter. 2004.

16. Journal of Information Science. 2004.

17. Journal of Science Technology and Development.

2003.

18. Journal of Nanjing Agricultural University. 2004.

19. New Scientist. 2004.

20. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research. 2004.

21. Pakistan Journal of Botany. 2003.

22. Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial

Research. 2004.

23. Pakistan Sugar Journal. 2004.

24. Pakistan Veterinary Journal. 2004.

25. PC Magazine. 2004. 23(13)

26. Phytopathology. 2004.

27. Plant Breeding. 2004.

28. Plant Cell Reports. 2004.

29. Sindh University Research Journal. 2004.

30. SPIDER: Pakistan's Internet Magazine. 2004.

31. Unasylva (FAO). 2004.

32. The Veterinary Record. 2004.

33. Weed Science. 2004.

34. Breeding field crops by Poehlman, J. M.; Sleper,

D. A. 4th edition. 1995. Iowa. US.

35. Clinical veterinary microbiology by Quinn, P. J.

[etal]. 2002. Virgina. US.

36. Commercial floriculture by Prasad, S.; Kumar, U.

2003.

37. DNA viruses: a practical approach by Cann,

A. J.1999. Oxford. GB.

38. Environmental soil chemistry by Sparks, D. L. 2nd

edition. 2003. Amsterdam. US.352p.

39. Fundamentals of dairy chemistry by Wong, N. P.

[et al]. 1999. Gaithersburg. US.

40. Gene probes 2: a practical approach by Hames,

B.D.; Higgins, S.J. 2002. Oxford. GB.

41. Genes VII by Lewin, B.2002. Oxford. GB.

42. Genetic engineering with PCR by Horton, R. M.;

Tait, R. C. 1998. Carson city. GB.

43. Guide to protein purification:methods in enzymology

volume 182 by Deutscher, M. P. 1990. San Diego

US.

44. Lehninger principles of biochemistry by Nelson, D.

L.; Cox, M. M. 3rd edition. 2003. New York US.

45. Nucleic acid electrophoresis by Tietz, D. (Ed.).

1998. Laurel. US.

46. PCR 3: a practical approach by Herrington, C. S;

O'Leary, J. J. 1998. Oxford. GB.

47. Producing vegetable crops by Swiader, J. M.; Ware,

G. W. 1st edition. 2002. Danville. US.

48. Soil and environmental analysis modern

instrumental techniques by Smith, K. A.; Cresser,

M. S. 3rd edition. 2004. New York. US. 576p.

49. Understanding genetics: a molecular approach by

Rothwell, N. V. 1993. New York. US.