Pakistan”s top agricultural research body is set to undergo a radical transformation following a joint Sino-Pakistani assessment that identified critical deficiencies, including chronic underinvestment, obsolete laboratories, and a severe brain drain hampering the nation”s food security goals.
According to a report today, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, announced the comprehensive reform plan for the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) after a high-level meeting with its chairman, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi. The overhaul is based on a strategic roadmap prepared with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).
The detailed findings, presented during the meeting, were the result of a comprehensive joint study assessing the performance and infrastructure of PARC and its affiliate institutes. The report identified several structural gaps in Pakistan’s agricultural research system, citing weak research commercialization and a persistent loss of talent due to inadequate incentives and seniority-based promotions.
To address these challenges, the proposed framework emphasizes sustainable funding, efficient performance evaluation, and stronger linkages between researchers and farmers. A key component of the plan involves creating a National Agricultural Science and Technology Roadmap to align research priorities with national goals of food security and climate resilience.
A major focus of the revitalization plan is the practical application of scientific breakthroughs. This will be achieved by establishing Technology Transfer Units (TTUs) in major institutes, a National Agricultural Technology Transfer Center, and regional demonstration hubs to ensure new techniques reach the fields.
The strategy also envisions deeper China-Pakistan cooperation through joint laboratories, capacity-building programs, and collaborative research on climate-resilient crops, water-efficient irrigation, and the indigenization of hi-tech farm machinery.
Minister Hussain commended the Chinese partners for their support and stated that the government is fully committed to implementing the recommendations “in letter and spirit.” He stressed the objective is to transform PARC into a modern, innovation-driven institution that provides tangible benefits to farmers.
To ensure timely execution, the minister directed the formation of a high-level implementation committee with clear milestones and accountability mechanisms. He described the restructuring as a “national priority” essential for boosting agricultural productivity and achieving sustainable economic growth.