Chief Minister Balochistan, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani has called upon agricultural scientists to educate growers on rational use of water, pesticides and quality seeds keeping in view water scarcity and dry weather conditions in the province.
He stated this while talking to Dr M E Tusneem, Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), who called on him in Quetta, said PARC press release issued here Thursday. He underlined the need for introducing such varieties of agricultural products, fruits and vegetables in the province that require little water and give maximum yield.
The Chief Minister urged PARC to maintain close collaboration with the provincial agricultural establishment for co-ordinated research activities in the province. He also directed that capacity building of Balochistan's educated youth vis-à-vis providing them employment opportunities be ensured.
Chairman PARC informed the Chief Minister about the ongoing research activities in the province under the Strengthening of National Agricultural Research System in Balochistan (NARS-B) Project.
Dr Tusneem said that new varieties of wheat, barley and other agricultural crops have been developed that give better yield and require less water. He maintained that in order to overcome the shortage of technical experts modern day training facilities were being provided to agricultural personnel and so far 18 PhDs, 34 MSc and 14 BSc graduates have been sent to a number of universities in the country for specialised training.
Besides, eight senior officers of the Balochistan government have also been sent abroad for training, he added. Dr Tusneem informed that efforts were underway for cultivation and commercial output of olive in the province, which has an ideal climate for production of this value-added crop.
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