Islamabad: (Parliament Times) Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr Sania Nishtar visited the National Agricultural Research Centre of PARC to see the interventions by PARC in agricultural research and development. She was welcomed by Chairman PARC, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Director General NARC, Engr. Shamim ul Sibtain Shah with scientists and other high officials.
During the visit the delegation toured various institutes established at the NARC and focused on developing a strong agricultural system in Pakistan. Visiting Yogurt Processing Plant,
Dr. Azeem briefed her about the advanced technologies utilized in yogurt processing and developments achieved in producing high quality, organic dairy products. The developments achieved in preservation of exotic, primitive herbal plants in National Herbarium, rearing of animals for improved dairy products at Animal Sciences Institute, tissue culture advancement for the acquisition of disease free banana and potato plants at National Institute for Genomic and Advanced Bio-Technology (NIGAB) and intensive fish farming were also highlighted before SAPM.
Furthermore, it was informed to the Special Assistant to PM that PARC has made progress on value chain development of Angora wool and has successfully introduced different market products like Angora yarn, threads, Angora shawls, socks, etc. Dr. Nishtar particularly highlighted the importance of angora fur because of its high quality nature which can be a profitable source of income to winter-lands. She also visited the PATCO Bakery where she appreciated the efforts of PARC in producing research based hygienic bakery items
At the occasion the inauguration of the Compost Processing Unit was also held by Dr. Sania Nishtar. Giving details it was told that this plant will use locusts for developing bio compost and it will be a beginning of turning the crisis into opportunity for Pakistan. The Special Assistant to PM acknowledged the efforts of PARC / NARC scientists in achieving the targets to ensure food security in Pakistan.