LAHORE: The Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) has approved research projects amounting to Rs900 million.

These projects encompass the development of superior canola quality lines in rapeseed and mustard, with a particular focus on elevating their productivity in the Potohar region.

Presided over by interim Agriculture Minister SM Tanveer, a board meeting approved 40 research plans — 31 relating to agriculture and nine pertaining to the sub-sector of livestock.

PARB Chief Executive Dr Abid Mahmood provided an overview of the 40 new initiatives during the 48th board meeting. The session was attended, among others, by Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and MNS Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Ali.

The meeting sanctioned a research venture valued at Rs47.975 million for the enhancement of canola quality lines in rapeseed and mustard, specifically targeting improved productivity of oilseed crops in rain-fed regions. It also approved the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of sesame at a cost exceeding Rs43.12m, along with herbicide-tolerant strains of chickpeas and lentils valued at Rs48.12m.

Highlighting the need for agricultural research to directly benefit farmers and the public, the minister stressed aligning agricultural projects with market demands and commercial scales.

He spoke on the importance of implementing agricultural projects that could satisfy the people’s requirements and stabilise market prices.

Mr Sahoo underscored the significance of research aiming not merely for its own sake but to develop novel crop varieties capable of bolstering farmers’ profits and alleviating public concerns on a commercial level.

He also urged vigilance over ongoing agricultural research efforts while working on hybrid sunflower varieties.

Mr Tanveer also directed Dr Mahmood to submit a comprehensive report on the performance of PARB and reconstituted the special committee as well as PARB Executive Committee for scrutiny of future projects.

Published in Dawn, Aug 5th, 2023