ISLAMABAD: The research and development in agriculture are must to enhance production and increase in agri yield is only possible through use of modern technologies.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan said this after inaugurating a two-day Agriculture Linkage Programme (AIP) annual conference on “Agriculture Innovations for Improved Productivity and Economic Growth.”
Bosan urged the authorities to enhance investment and introduce innovations in agriculture, as the use of modern technologies is mandatory for improvement in farming techniques.
The minister said climate change is a serious threat to food security, hence comprehensive polices and concrete efforts needed to cope with effects of climate change. “The present government is making all out efforts for making agriculture sector competitive to cope with future challenges,” he said. He asked farmers to participate in AIP to help improve agriculture productivity.
Speaking on the occasion, USAID Mission Director John Groake said that the United States is supporting Pakistan agriculture for 50 years and the AIP will further improve their skills in innovative farming. He said that the API has shown remarkable results, which prove that through cooperation of United States Pakistan could achieve maximum agriculture growth, bringing prosperity for the farm community.
Citing Green Revolution, he said when in 60s, Pakistan was facing challenge of food security, Norman Borluge developed Mexi-Pak wheat variety, which brought about green revolution in the country.
CIMMYT Director General Martin Kropff said that presently we have been facing host of challenges including climate change, extreme weather conditions and water shortage which also impact agriculture production.
