STAFF REPORT IBD: PARC and the Mexico-based International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (known as CIMMYT) have announced the launching of the four-year $30 million Agricultural Innovation Project (AIP) at Islamabad.
The project will also include expertise from sub-awardees International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), University of California (UC), David and PARC.
Dr. Iftikhar said that AIPs overall objective is to promote economic growth by brining more farms, and more acres, under improved technologies and management practices and to increase the productivity and production value of livestock, horticulture, and cereals.
He further said that CIMMYT will be the primary implementing partner and prime grantee, managing and taking responsibility for the overall program and overseeing the cereal systems portfolio.
The project will foster the creation of a demand-driven, result-oriented agricultural research community and enhance linkages between Pakistans agricultural research community, the global community or scientists and Pakistani private sector/civil society.
Importantly PARC will be oversee the competitive grants component along with providing leadership in the formation of organization similar to the Punjab Agricultural Research Board in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan.