Machine having capacity to process 2 tons Ispaghol per day inaugurated

ISLAMABAD: Agricultural Engineering Institute of the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) has developed advanced Ispaghol processing machinery with a capacity to process about two tons per day Ispaghol and 0.5 ton of good quality husk in a single shift free of chemicals and impurities.

In this regard Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) has organized a national seminar on indigenous ispaghol processing machinery at Hisilpure, Bahawalpure, a press release Wednesday said.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan was the chief Guest at the occasion, where as Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada were also participated the event.

Practical demonstration of Ispaghol machinery was also arranged, which was attended by farmers, processors, multinational companies, chamber of commerce, line departments and parliamentarians.

Addressing the event Sikanar Bosan appreciated the efforts of the scientists of PARC for developing Ispaghol processing machinery first time in Pakistan   He said advanced technology would would help to improve production of commodity, besides enhancing the earnings of the under privileged people of Thar and Cholistan deserts.

The minister also witnessed the working of the three-stage plant and appreciated its working as he was informed that the machine has the capacity to process 400 kg of Ispaghol per hour.

Bosan said Ispaghol is a medicinal plant and it is grown on 3,000 acre area in Cholistan and Thar deserts. However, farmers were not getting proper price of their production.

He said availability of local processing facility would enhance importance of local Ispaghol production which would benefit both farmers and traders who would be able to market Ispaghol for good profit. He also said that there would be a time soon when Pakistan would be exporting Ispaghol.

Speaking on the occasion, Riaz Hussain Pirzada said agriculture is the backbone of the national economy and 43 per cent of the country labour force was associated with agriculture.

He admired the efforts of PARC scientists for developing advanced Ispaghol processing machinery.

Dr Yusuf Zafar Chairman PARC said that farmers of South Punjab and Sindh will be the beneficiary of this product, adding that farmers of Cholistan and Thar will also take benefit from this innovation.