The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security & Research (NFS&R) panel on Wednesday conducted a visit to the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) to review its operations and performance. The committee members toured various scientific laboratories and received briefings from the Chairman of NARC during the visit. The Chairman detailed the functionality of the labs and the processes involved in the preservation and cultivation of different plant types before they are harvested.  The Chairman NARC also provided insights into the historical evolution of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), its establishment as the National Food Security and Research Division, and its affiliation with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R). Both organizations collaborate on research across various fields to enhance productivity. 

The committee was informed about the governance structure, which includes a board of governors, a chairman, an executive committee, and the IPARCC committee. Additionally, they learned about PARC’s technical divisions, such as the PSD, NRD, ASD, and SSD.  Financial briefings included details of the budget over the past three years. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the total budget was Rs. 6,575.65 million, with Rs. 1,062.25 million allocated for operational expenses and Rs. 5,512.40 million for establishment costs. The staff at PARC/NARC includes 2,135 individuals, comprising 544 scientists and 435 para-scientific staff. The committee also reviewed research achievements, including advancements in plant genetic resources and the development and release of new varieties and hybrids. Financial updates since 2013 highlighted a research budget increase to Rs. 300 million in 2023-24, an educational stipend increase to Rs. 1.135 million, and a direct pension credit system raised to Rs. 7 million for 44 widows.

Total liabilities cleared amounted to Rs. 989 million.  Critical issues discussed included the low investment in agricultural R&D, with Pakistan allocating only 0.12% of its Agricultural GDP, the lowest among SAARC countries. The committee also noted challenges related to international collaboration for securing grant-in-aid projects and the need for an extension of NARC’s land lease by the CDA, which has not been extended since 2005, impeding the establishment of research infrastructure.  The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan (Chairman), Senator Poonjo Bheel, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, Senator Prof. Sajid Mir, Senator Rahat Jamali, Senator Abdul Wasay, and Senator Danesh Kumar. The Chairman of NARC and senior officials from related departments were also present.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan