Pakistan’s principal agricultural research body is set to undergo a massive restructuring following a critical joint assessment with China that exposed chronic underfunding, obsolete infrastructure, and a significant brain drain of skilled scientists, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has revealed.
The comprehensive revamp of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) will be guided by a Strategic Reform and Cooperation Plan developed with China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).
The decision was made during a high-level meeting where PARC Chairman Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi presented the findings of a recent joint study. According to an official statement, Chinese experts evaluated the performance and institutional capacity of PARC, the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), and eleven affiliated institutes nationwide.
The assessment identified severe deficiencies confronting the council, including outdated laboratories and weak commercialization of research. The report also highlighted the loss of talented scientists, attributed to limited incentives and a promotion system based on seniority rather than merit.
To address these shortcomings, the strategic plan proposes the establishment of Technology Transfer Units (TTUs) and a National Agricultural Technology Transfer Center. These initiatives, along with regional demonstration hubs, are designed to ensure scientific innovations effectively reach farmers.
Furthermore, a National Agricultural Science and Technology Roadmap will be developed to align research priorities with Pakistan’s objectives for food security, climate resilience, and economic advancement. The collaboration will also be deepened through joint laboratories and capacity-building programs.
Key areas for collaborative research include developing climate-resilient crops, water-efficient irrigation techniques, pest management solutions, livestock improvement, and the local production of advanced farm machinery.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain affirmed the government’s commitment to transforming PARC into a modern, innovation-driven institution. He has directed the formation of a high-level implementation committee to ensure the timely and accountable execution of the reforms.
‘The restructuring of PARC is not just an administrative measure-it is a national priority vital for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and driving sustainable economic growth,’ the Minister stated. He expressed confidence that the partnership would help PARC evolve into a world-class research organization.