VEC on Potato recommends 11 new varieties for commercial cultivation in Pakistan

Islamabad:    (Parliament Times)    Eleven (11) Potato varieties have been recommended for commercial cultivation in Pakistan by the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) in a meeting held at Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), Hqs, Islamabad. Muhammad Ayub Chaudhry welcomed the participants of the meeting and enlightened the role of PARC in the process of variety evaluation and its release. He also emphasized that the private sector should share wisdom with PARC scientists for the uplift of country’s agriculture. Chairman, PARC appreciated the role of PARC coordination and trust of people in the system. Honorable Chairman urged the importance of self-sufficiency in local production of seed potatoes to reduce the import volume along-with value addition.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, Member, PSD, PARC chaired the meeting. The meeting was attended by the technical members from NARS and private seed companies. Presiding over the meeting, Member (PSD) PARC / Chairman VEC appreciated the trend of local research and contribution of private seed companies in the seed sector of the country. He enlightened the aim of VEC for providing the quality seed potatoes to the growers. Twenty Four Potato varieties were presented, out of which 11 varieties were recommended for commercial cultivation in the country.

Members of VEC also appreciated the role PARC and Coordinator in particular for convening 3rd VEC meeting and appreciated his interest in research and development.