STAFF REPORT IBD: The US Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) have launched the Agricultural Innovation Programme to expand the use of modern technologies in Pakistans agricultural sector.
“Boosting Pakistans economy is one of our top assistance priorities. Getting new and improved technologies and practices into farmers hands in the next few years will play a major role in helping the country address agriculture needs,” said USAID Country Director Jonathan M. Conly.
The programme aims to increase agricultural productivity and quality that will improve the quality for consumers and help create more jobs on farms throughout Pakistan.
In his remarks, Shahid Masood, Member Plant Sciences, PARC, said: “The project will develop a science-driven model to improve the livelihoods of Pakistans agricultural producers, and enable economic growth. The international and Pakistani partners involved in this effort are dedicated to the research, collaboration and investments that will ensure success.”
“Pakistans agricultural productivity has fallen behind comparable countries with similar agro-ecologies,” said Thomas Lumpkin, Director General of CIMMYT. “There is a tremendous potential for growth, but we must act now.”