NWFP Minister for Agriculture Arbab Mohammad Ayub Jan on Tuesday said that agriculture research would be increased for introducing various new wheat and maize seeds to enhance productivity of these products in the province. He was presiding over the 29th meeting of Provincial Seed Council at Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab Farm.
Besides all the members of the council, Secretary Agriculture Attaullah Khan also attended the meeting. In the meeting, four varieties of wheat, two each of maize and beans were presented for approval. The wheat names were; Pir Sabaq 2008, Tilla 2008, Hashim 2008 and Gomal 2008 and Kiramat and Iqbal of maize. After a long discussion, the council gave approved to all the varieties.
Appreciating the role of the research wing scientists, the provincial minister said today the whole NWFP would be proud of them as their 10 year's efforts became fruitful and for the first time in Pakistan they are introducing the hybrid seed. He said that now that's up to the agriculture administration to transfer the same technology in the shortest possible time to farmers.
Ayub Jan said that besides awarding them medals, they would be given handsome cash rewards and one step promotion. He said that with this step, the research wing would be strengthened and the scientists showing the outstanding performance would be sent abroad for training and study.
He said that it is high time for them to achieve self-sufficiency in food especially wheat. He asked the agriculture administration to utilise the ADP in a proper manner so that in the next budget it could be increased further. He said that the government was keen to encourage the private sector to play positive role for the promotion of agriculture sector.
Earlier, DG Research Muhammad Rahim, highlighted the role of agriculture research and seed and said that after 10-year research, the institute has been able to develop the hybrid wheat seed for the first time in the country's history.