Food minister calls for farmer-focused research

Addressing the scientists, Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed that developing high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties, improving water-use efficiency and reducing agricultural production costs must remain central priorities of national research institutions. The federal minister particularly directed scientists to accelerate the development of indigenous Basmati rice varieties with superior yield and quality to reduce dependence on Indian varieties.

He also called for paying greater attention to pulses and oilseeds, adding that increasing their domestic production would help reduce Pakistan's import bill. Hussain directed the Agricultural Engineering Institute to focus on the commercialisation of locally developed machinery so that farmers could benefit from affordable and efficient agricultural technologies.

He also instructed livestock researchers to prioritise the development of vaccines against major animal diseases and promote research-based animal feed products. Highlighting the country's agricultural export potential, the minister called for the adoption of modern beekeeping practices, improvement in honey quality and compliance with international standards.

He also encouraged the promotion of high-value fruit crops, including avocado and blueberry, in areas with suitable climatic conditions. Hussain emphasised that PARC scientists must strengthen collaboration with provincial governments, international research organisations and the private sector to ensure that scientific innovations reach farmers without unnecessary delays.

Earlier, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Chairman Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi briefed the minister on the council's research programmes and institutional initiatives, including the strengthening of the Agricultural Linkages Programme and revival of the Inter-Provincial Agricultural Research Coordination Committee to improve coordination among research institutions.

During presentations, the federal minister was informed that six crop varieties had been approved during Kharif 2026, while more than 265 tonnes of quality seeds had been produced. Scientists also highlighted progress in livestock breeding, development of a locally produced thermotolerant PPR vaccine, agricultural mechanisation, climate-smart farming and water conservation.

The meeting was further informed about advancements in horticulture, food processing and honeybee research, including the establishment of Pakistan's first hi-tech beeswax sheet production unit. The minister appreciated these initiatives and emphasised their wider adoption and commercial application.