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ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on Thursday emphasized the need for stronger coordination between public and private agriculture research institutions to address emerging challenges and promote sustainable sectoral growth.
The committee met under the Chairmanship of Syed Hussain Tariq, which was also briefed on the current state of research and development in Pakistan’s rice sector, with particular attention to progress on high-yield and climate-resilient varieties, productivity enhancement and measures to improve export quality.
The committee recommended that representatives of private-sector rice production institutions hold a consultative meeting with the Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, to jointly review sectoral challenges and develop a comprehensive model for improving rice production and market competitiveness, besides submitting the proposed model in its next meeting.
Members were also informed that India’s Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom particularly the relaxation of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) has enabled India to expand its rice exports to the UK market. In response, the committee urged relevant ministries to explore similar FTA opportunities and trade facilitation arrangements to enhance Pakistan’s export potential and secure greater market access.
The committee stressed the importance of expanding research partnerships, noting that private-sector engagement, alongside universities and research institutions, is essential for developing innovative solutions, promoting technological advancements, and supporting evidence-based policy making.
The secretary endorsed these recommendations, highlighting the need for systematic collaboration to strengthen research capacity in the rice sector. The committee further underscored the urgency of developing local rice varieties capable of withstanding heat stress, flooding, and other climate-related risks.
The chairman committee asked the Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to visit Thatta and engage directly with farmers and provincial authorities to identify gaps in agriculture sector and propose corrective measures.
The committee also reviewed the current status of the national seed sector, including local seed production, quality assurance standards, certification processes and constraints faced by seed developers. The Seed Association of Pakistan (SAP), representing nearly 200 seed companies, presented its recommendations for sectoral reform.
These included the provision of soft loans for improved storage infrastructure, facilitating private-sector participation in producing pre-basic seed, enhancing variety evaluation processes, and ensuring smooth inter-provincial seed movement.
A significant portion of SAP’s briefing focused on its strong opposition to the introduction of genetically modified (GMO) corn in Pakistan. SAP highlighted that Pakistan’s existing non-GMO maize varieties already outperform GMO-adopting countries in yield and that the crop faces no major pest threats warranting GMO adoption.
The meeting was attended by Members of Nations Assembly including Syed Hussain Tariq, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Chaudhary Iftikhar Nazir, Abdul Qadir Khan, Nazir Ahmad Bughio, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Zulfiqar Ali Behan, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi and Usman Ali.