Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (Parc) Chairman Dr M E Tusneem has called upon the federal and provincial research organisations and agricultural universities for devising a common strategy in order to make the National Co-ordinated Research Programme successful.
He said this while presiding over a high level meeting to review "Agriculture Sector Programme Loan II (ASPL-II)" funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) here on Saturday, says a Parc press release.
The meeting was attended amongst others by ADB Director Dr Frederick C Roche, Dr Rashid Farooqui, Minfal Senior Policy Advisor and the director generals of agricultural research and agricultural extensions besides project directors of the ASPL II from all four provinces.
The Parc Chairman said there was need to address the major issues identified in the existing agricultural research system in the light of recommendations made by all stakeholders.
He said government was focusing on sustainable agriculture growth in the country under the National Agricultural Research System (Nars), which included provincial research institutes, agricultural universities, federal research establishments and agro-industry.
Dr Tusneem expressed his gratitude that Parc had privilege to hosting such an important meeting that was aimed to discuss and share views with regard to undertaking studies, acceptable to ADB of the feasibility of re-organising and strengthening the delivery and co-ordination in agricultural research, extension and higher education services.
Addressing the meeting, ADB mission leader Dr Frederick C Roche outlined the objectives of the ASPL II plan and called upon concerned offices to take necessary steps for realising their respective plans according to the second tranche condition relating to restructuring of the agriculture research and extension systems.