ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan said Thursday that investment in the agriculture sector was much below to actual requirement of the sector.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Scientists Association (PARSA) at National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) here, the minister said that the investments into the agriculture sector needed to be enhanced to promote rural economy that would benefit poor farmers.
The Minister said that although the scientists have been working hard for the promotion of agriculture through research and innovations, however there is dire need that the research results reach to the farmers. He said that individually Pakistani scientists have been giving excellent performance and proving to be role model, however in case of collective efforts, we fail to deliver and do not achieve results. The minister said assured the scientists that agriculture was the priority of the government and it has taken many initiatives for its development.
Discussing various issues faced by the scientific community of PARC, the minister asked the PARC management to make a feasibility for the construction of multi-story building to fulfill the residential requirements of the employees of the council.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad urged the scientists to forge unity among themselves not only for resolution of their issues but also for the betterment of the organization.
The chairman said that he will try his best to build residential facility for the employees besides increasing number of seats in various grades.
On the occasion, Presidents PARSA, Altaf Sher said that the scientists association will try its best to resolve the issues faced by scientist community adding that it will amicably work with the administration of the council to uplift the image of PARC.
INP/