(central secretariat) - ministry of national food security ... monthly progress report... ·...

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No.F.1-3/2013-Dir(Tech)-CS Pakistan Agricultural Research Council

(Central Secretariat) ********

12th November 2014 Subject: Monthly Major Activity Report of PARC for October 2014 Chairman’s Activities 1. World Food Day was celebrated at NARC where Federal Minister for National Food Security and

Research was the Chief Guest. Many diplomats, International agencies Heads and the farming community participated in this event. Current year’s theme of the World Food Day was “Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth”. A special supplement was released with the help of Director (PR and P), PARC on this occasion.

2. A delegation from New Zealand held meeting with M (NRD) and showed their interest to enhance mutual cooperation on HRD issues. It was further agreed that PIASA and the New Zealand Education Ministry can join hands for enhancing their collaboration in the field of agriculture and livestock sector.

3. Chairman, PARC presented a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the field of agriculture in Pakistan since the new Government has taken over. This presentation was made in the International Investment Conference held in Serena Hotel, Islamabad.

4. Chairman, PARC and IFPRI Chief of the Party held meeting for conducting various studies as well as holding an International Conference by the end of the year 2014.

Plant Sciences Division

S.# Official Task/ Activity

Status of the task

1 Research & Development

Southern-zone Agricultural Research Centre (SARC), Karachi

Rodent and bird contamination: A total of 18 rats (Rattus rattus) & 5 mice (Mus musculus) were trapped at vegetative stage of maize crops in irrigated fields of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & brought to the Laboratory. Only 07 rats (39%) were found infected with Helminth parasitic infections.

Toxicity of crude extract of Sufaida leaves (Eucalyptus) against Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculinoidae): Crude extracts of Eucalyptus in water and ethanol (1:1) were tested against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. at room temperature. Mortality recorded after 24 hours was only 3% followed by 3-14% and 4-17% after 48 hours and 72 hours of treatment respectively.

Toxic Contaminants: 35 samples of rice were collected from fields of Larkana & assessed accumulation of trace nutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in polished grain. Results showed an average concentration of 33.37, 3.6, 21.63 & 75.14 µg/g respectively. The contents found were below the toxic levels but were found low to marginal with respect to nutritional requirement.

Mycotoxins: Commercial sample of 04 red chilies were tested for the analysis of aflatoxin through ELISA technique & 0.5-4.6 ppb of total aflatoxin was detected. Animal feed was also tested for the presence of aflatoxin & 10 ppb of aflatoxin total was detected.

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National Sugar Crops & Tropical Horticulture Research Institute (NSTHRI), Thatta

Varietal Development Program: The evaluation and selection of sugarcane genotypes is a continuous process detail of which is as under:

Total 189 sugarcane (varieties) germplasm was maintained at the farm for flowering and fuzz collection studies.

Total 5562 Sugarcane seedlings (1817 seedlings from local crosses and 3745 seedlings from Chinese crosses) were maintained at office research site.

Fuzz nursery: Local fuzz of five sugarcane varieties i.e. S 2006-US-469, Thatta-719, HSF-240, S 2006-US-272 & CPF-237 were sown in 20 plots each of 2”x2” size.

Data of different evaluation and testing trials of sugarcane varieties such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th cycle, preliminary yield trial, and advanced varietal trial & NUVYT trials was recorded. The plants height was ranged between 196 to 306 cm & brix contents were 19-22% in all evaluation trials.

Selection of sugarcane varieties through evaluation and testing trials: Out of 2500 single plants selection total 417 clones were selected for testing in 1st cycle.

Total 165 clones were selected for testing in 2nd cycle and then 134 genotypes were selected for testing in 3rd cycle while13 genotypes were selected for testing in 4th cycle and 8 genotypes were selected for testing in preliminary yield trial.

Out of 8 sugarcane genotypes in preliminary yield trial total 5 were selected for testing as advanced varietal trial.

NUVYT plant crop, 7 sugarcane promising lines were planted, and NUVYT 2nd plant crop 4 sugarcane promising lines were planted while NUVYT seed increase, 9 sugarcane promising lines were planted.

Promising sugarcane varieties were maintained for seed multiplication trials, where all the varieties shown excellent growth performance.

Plastic mulching evaluation trial: Average cane height recorded were 263.3 cm & 254.3 cm. with average brix contents of 20.9% & 20.6% in treatment and control plots, respectively.

Insect Pest Infestation: The insect pest infestation data was recorded from all Sugarcane varietal development trials. viz. 2nd cycle, 3rd cycle, 4th cycle, Preliminary Yield Trial, Advance Varietal Trial and National Uniform Varietal Yield Trial (NUVYT) where the average infestation %age recorded was as under:

Top borer: 6.5, 6.3, 6.8, 6.4, 7.8 & 6.4%, respectively.

Stem borer: 6.1, 6.6, 6.0, 7.0, 7.1 & 6.7, respectively.

Root borer: 4.6, 3.2, 2.8, 3.5, 4.3& 2.9 in all the above mentioned trials respectively.

White-fly infestation recorded in different varieties sown in coordinated trials the variety-wise infestation was: CP-TJ-349: 5%, S-2005-CSSG-32: 8.3%, S-2006-SPSG-24: 8.3%, 2005-HoSG-31: 10%, BPTH-804: 11.7% & YTTh-53: 13.3%.

Hybrid Rice Seed Production Trial: This trial was carried out in coordination with Rice Research Program, NARC, Islamabad, under

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Pak-China Project, entitled “Development of Rice Hybrids for different rice growing ecologies of Pakistan”. As per experiment, CR-I & CR-II male plants and A-I female plants were planted. The crop exhibited 100% flowering and was ready for harvesting.

Banana seed multiplication through Tissue Culture: Banana varieties i.e. B-10, Pisang and W-11 were propagated. Total 3775 shoots of banana were under multiplication/sub-culturing, 349 plants were under rooting and total 4000 plants were under hardening process.

In addition to, 61 new banana suckers were initiated for propagation in the laboratory.

Sugarcane seed multiplication through Tissue Culture: Sugarcane varieties, YT-53, YT-55 and Thatta 300 were multiplied through tissue culture technique. The Chinese sugarcane varieties, YT-53 were mostly multiplied. Total 2304 shoots were under multiplication/sub-culturing, 300 plants were under rooting and 1788 plants were under hardening stage.

Soil & Water Testing Lab Activities: The institute also provided soil & water testing service to the contact farmers. The water (Hand Pump) samples brought by farmers from Gharho area were analyzed at NSTHRI labs. The analysis showed that water EC was 2.2 dSm-1, pH 8.10 and TDS 1400 mg kg-1. The farmers were advised that water may be used by mixing up at the ratio of 1:1 with fresh canal water.

National Tea & High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), Shinkiari, Mansehra

Managed 58 Kiwi plants brought from Nepal/HRI, NARC.

Provided Mushroom Spasm to 2 farmers of Abbottabad.

Managed Tomato hybrids Red Jewel, F1 hybrid Beldar, F1 hybrid 176, Chilli hybrid sky line & caption, sweet pepper hybrid, Early Morling for nursery raising “Natural off season vegetable”.

Managed 6520 budded nursery plants of stone fruits & 2600 cuttings in nursery of pomegranate, 2000 fig plants & 3000 plum plants.

Managed 3000 walnut nursery plants.

Managed the stool beds of apple (MM 106, MM 111 and M 26), pear (Quince) and Cherry (Colt).

Managed 1200 grafted nursery plants of apricot, peach, plum and almond.

Managed the Mother Fruit Orchard and managed different medicinal plants.

SARS Kaghan

Facilitated different research Organizations from all over the country to conduct research trials, harvesting & data recording.

Initiated activities for growing of vegetables both under tunnel and open off season.

PARC Research & Training Station (PRTS), Multan

Sowing of 250 lines of different accessions of Brassica napus obtained from IABGR NARC, Islamabad was completed for its field evaluation.

Fruit fly population gradually diminished in the selected sites of Mango, Citrus, Guava orchards after the treatment of fruit fly traps by the use of Methyl Eugenol male attracted pheromone.

Olive Promotion Project

Some more GPS data of Olive orchards was received from Punjab and

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Baluchistan for processing through GIS software and to upload on the olive website, where already present data can be viewed from Exclusive Icon of Olive Promotion at the website of PARC.

MoU was signed between PARC and two companies i.e. Eastern Marketing Services (Olive Pakistan) & Unique Value (Private Ltd) to promote quality olive products and their sale at company and PATCO, PARC outlets. According to the MoU both the companies will deposit 5% of their earning in the account of Olive project/PATCO, PARC as a financial benefit to the organization.

2 Coordination Activities


Dr. Amjad Pervez, Incharge VPCI delivered lecture on “Management techniques for small mammals in protected areas of Sindh” in International workshop on “Conservation and Management of Wildlife in protected area” by IUCN & SCSP, University of Karachi.

Director, IPI attended 02 days meeting of Annual review and work plan for next year under ICARDA Project “Water shed rehabilitation and Irrigation Improvement in Pakistan at NARC Islamabad.


Following the decision of meeting regarding establishment of Sugarcane Research Board in Sindh held at NSTHRI, Thatta the seed of 06 candidate sugarcane varieties of the institute i.e. Thatta-910, Thatta-300, HoTh-127, HoTh-326, YT-53 and YT-55 was provided to Matiari Sugar Mills, Matiari, Habib Sugar Mills, Nawabshah and Abadgar Sugar Mills, Tando Muhammad Khan. Army Sugar Mills, Badin, ARI Tandojam, Al-Abbas Sugar Mill Mirpurkhas, The seed will also be provided to Mehran Sugar Mills, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas Sugar Mills, Faran Sugar Mills, Tando Muhammad Khan, Naudero Sugar Mills, Larkana & Bandhi Sugar Mills, Bandhi, district Shaheed Benazirabad.

A delegation, comprised 20 progressive growers of Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Badin and Thatta districts, lead by Mr. Imdad Ali Nizamani, Asim Agricultural Farm, Tando Allahyar visited NSTHRI, PARC, Thatta. The delegation had a meeting with the scientists and Director who presented the research and development activities of the institute. The delegation visited tissue culture laboratory and sugarcane field of the institute and appreciated the research work of the scientists.

Seed of promising sugarcane lines viz HoTh-127, HoTh-2109, HoTh-326, YT-53, YT-55 for experimental purpose and also the other candidate sugarcane genotypes i.e. HoTh-311, HoTh-409, HoTh-318 and Thatta-910 was supplied for seed multiplication purpose to Matiari Sugar Mills, Sindh Abadgar Sugar Mills and Imdad Khan Nizamani, progressive grower of Tando Allahyar.

Mr. Riaz Mehmood, CABI International Organization, Pakistan visited the NSTHRI and discussed establishment of biological control laboratory and starting the biological control activities for the control of Papaya mealy bug and sugarcane white fly issues in the area. Mr. Riaz appreciated the site, research activities and working environment of the institute. He further assured that with the collaboration of PARC the biological control activities will start at this institute.

Mr. Shuned Qureshi, Owner/ M.D of Al-Abbas Sugar Mill, Mirpurkhas

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accompanied with Mr. Akbar Rashidi and other Mill Staff visited the NSTHRI Institute; he appreciated Sugarcane varietal research work. He also showed his interest in Banana Tissue Culture activities and suggested that the Plant production capacity should be enhanced as it could work on commercial basis.

PARC Research & Training Station (PRTS), Multan The station also providing the germplasm for the faculty students on demand for their experimental purpose. Two students of M.Sc (Hons), Agri, Plant Breeding & Genetics multiplied 30 accessions of wheat germplasm in the experimental field of the station obtained from Gene bank Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, NARC, Islamabad.


Federal Project Management Unit conducted monthly planning meeting with the Provincial components to review the progress of the project and to plan future strategy to complete the project targets.

3

Dissemination of research results/ new technologies


Honorable Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Chairman (PARC) Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed and Federal Secretary Mr. Seerat Asghar inaugurated a “Banana Tissue Culture Micro- biology Lab.” at SARC, Karachi.


Attended a seminar on sugarcane organized by Faran Sugar Mills at Sheikh Bhirkio, Tando Muhammad Khan. Director, NSTHRI, Thatta presented research and development activities of the institute.

Visited Ameer Hyder Shah Farm near Dam dama district Sujawal. Collected soil and banana plant samples and sent to NARC, Islamabad for nutrition status and disease analysis. The performance of tissue cultured banana varieties provided by NSTHRI, Thatta was checked and informed the growers that the performance of all varieties was satisfactory and W-11 banana variety was of the capacity to withstand well under drought conditions.

Conducted survey of sugarcane whitefly at district Sanghar in 8 locations and it was observed that the sugarcane variety CPF-240 planted at different locations of district Sanghar was severally attacked by whitefly. The attack of whitefly was observed mostly in saline & waterlogged soils.

Participated in a meeting regarding establishment of Sugarcane Research Board in Sindh held at Matiari district and future planning was made.

Had a meeting with Federal Seed Certification &Registration Department (FSC&RD) at Hyderabad and discussed the matter regarding sugarcane variety registration.

Participated as a Resource Person in Professional Training/Workshop on “Water saving techniques under Raised bed and Furrow Irrigation System” under ICARDA, USAID, Project “Watershed Management and Irrigation Improvement in Rain-Fed Areas” at Agricultural Training Institute Sakrand-Sindh.

Participated as a Resource Person in Professional Training/Workshop Program on “Composition of Organic Matter from Banana crop

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wastage for improvement of Soil Fertility” under ICARDA, USAID, Project “Recycling of Agriculture Wastes for Improving Soil Fertility & Soil Health in Pakistan” at Agricultural Training Institute Sakrand-Sindh.

Attended Professional Seminar on "Profitable Wheat Cultivation" organized by Fauji Fertilizer Company, Regional office Hyderabad at Indus Hotel Hyderabad

Scientist of SARC, Karachi visited NSTHRI, Thatta and observed the scientific work being carried out in tissue culture laboratory of the institute. New suckers from banana field in Thatta were collected and provided for newly established tissue culture laboratory in SARC, Karachi.

Mr. Rao Gohar, General Manager (Cane) and Mr. Javed Ahmed, Deputy General Manager (Cane) of Habib Sugar Mills Nawabshah visited NSTHRI, Thatta. They visited sugarcane fuzz nursery site and tissue cultured banana plants in net house. They also collected seed of candidate sugarcane varieties of the institute.

Published a paper in Pakistan Journal of Science: Junejo, S., S. Talpur, R. N. Pamhwar, M. Chohan, M.A. Bhutto, G.M. Kaloi and A.H. Mari. 2014. Effect of trash mulch and nitrogen application on the cane yield and quality of sugarcane variety Thatta-10. Pakistan Journal of Science, 66 (03):214-219.


Training to the farmers on pruning techniques for olive plants were imparted during feedback visits of olive orchards in all the provinces.


960 no. of Trichogramma egg cards were prepared.

1166 no. of Trichogramma cards were distributed among the 21 cotton and sugarcane farmers. 16 no. of small glass jars were introduced by the Sitotroga eggs for the purpose of its rearing.

The 08 no. of cultural plates of Chrysoperla carnea were prepared & 300 cards were distributed among the 07 farmers.

4 Capacity Building / Training/ Visit


Farmers’ day on solar pumping and Drip Irrigation was conducted under ICARDA Project for demonstration and determination of modern technology at IPI, SARC, PARC, Karachi.

38 students of B.Sc, Agriculture (Plant Protection students) from department of Agriculture & Agri-business Management, University of Karachi visited the centre for insects’ management.


Director, NSTHRI visited SARC Karachi and held a meeting with DG. SARC, for his guidance regarding the financial and other issues of the institute.

Scientists of the institute participated in two days “Proposal Writing Workshop” organized by UC Davis an AIP primary partner at NARC, Islamabad.

Director, NSTHRI gave presentation on land utilization of the institute and a meeting was also held with Program leader Sugar crops, NARC for the smooth implementation of Pak-China Project (Sugarcane Component). Ongoing activities and issues of the AIP-sub project –II, “Improved Mungbean Production” Thatta & Sujawal component: were

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discussed with Program Leader AVRDC.

Scientists of the Institute participated in a meeting regarding “Establishment of Sugarcane Research Board in Sindh Province” held at ATI, Tandojam Sindh and shared the findings of the institute.

National Tea & High Value Crops research Institute, Shinkiari

Supervised 03 M. Phil students from Hazara University, 01 M.Sc student from university of Engineering and Technology Lahore & 01 student from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture University, Peshawar.

Federal Secretary for Statistics Division, Islamabad visited NTHRI and was briefed about the current activities and future prospects of tea cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Arranged 01 day training program at NTHRI on “Modern Practices of Fruits & Vegetables” and 25 numbers of farmers and 05 students participated.


Training to farmers was imparted on utilization of Olive oil extraction machinery by FATA component.

Training on Olive Oil extraction for technicians at BARI, Chakwal was imparted to the growers.


Conducted training of farmers on Mango at Chah Monga Wala regarding the management of Mango Fruit fly and other insect pests of Mango & 25 farmers participated in the training program.

Natural Resources Division

S.#. Official Task / Activity

Status of Task

1. Research & Development

Balochistan Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC) PARC, Quetta

Sowing of winter and facultative wheat experiments carried out.

Plantation of barley and durum wheat trials at BARDC Quetta.

Raised nursery of 1200 olive cuttings at BARDC farm collected from Loralai and Khuzdar under POCEDPA, olive promotion project in Balochistan.

Analysis of samples collected from different farmer’s fields is being carried out.

Maintenance of nursery and medicinal plants raised previous months was done along with other management practices like weeding/cleaning.

Harvesting and picking of medicinal herb (oregano leaves) and cleaning of mallow and lemon balm seeds were carried out.

Transplanted 3000 Saro nursery plants to tunnels to protect them from ensuing cold months.

Maintenance of nursery of Saro and poplar plants raised previous year was done along with other management practices like weeding/cleaning.

Lambs from Balochi-ram crossed with Harnai ewes; the cross showed higher live-weight (16.50 kg) compared with lambs from Harnai-ram / Harnai-ewes (15.5 Kg) during the month.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) D.I. Khan

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Sesame trials (Varietal trial including eight entries, Progeny block and Crossing blocks) are at maturity stage and harvesting has been started.

Preliminary yield trials, on millet and sorghum having ten entries each are at maturity stage.

Rapeseed variety Takwara has been sown on 18 acres.

The weights of fish are increasing day by day and have attained the average weight of 1 Kg. New stock of fish was achieved through breeding in Daraban.

Daily / monthly data of discharge, rainfall etc were recorded regularly of all selective artisian well in Draban.

For better water management in artesian flow, another 250 ft concrete parabolic lining is completed in Daraban.

Integrated approaches for land reclamation has been started at AZRI farm like:

Gypsum application on saline patches,

Lazar leveling experimental block and

Deep ploughing for deep rooted weeds at an area of five acres.

F3 population of mustard and fertilizer doses study on candidate line of rapeseed is growing well. Candidate line (Mohsin-2012) of rapeseed sown on 04 kanal areas is also growing well.

Date palm, ber, falsa, guwava orchards were maintained during the month and required agronomic practices were applied accordingly.

Ten acres berseem fodder crop has been sown for income generation.

Chickpea NIFA-2005 has been sown on 18 acres area at AZRI farm for quality seed production.

National Uniform Yield Trials on Rapeseed and Mustard were sown on well prepared land, germination is in progress.

General cleaning around the rest house, CPIS and solar energy were carried out during the month.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Bahawalpur

Mung bean & Mash bean National Uniform Yield Trial 2014: The National Uniform Mungbean and Mash trials are at full maturity stage at AZRI, Bahawalpur farm. All the required data i.e. No of pods, pod length, No. of grains/pods etc have been recorded according to the plan of work and harvesting is under progress and yield data will be calculated.

Millet, Sorghum & Maize National Uniform Yield Fodder Trial.2014: All the National fodder trials are at maturity stage at AZRI, Bahawalpur farm. The required data i.e, leaf are index, fresh bi- mass etc have been recorded. Samples are kept for drying in sun light for dry bio-mass.

Guar National Uniform Yield Fodder Trial.2014: The guar crop is at fruit setting stage. Irrigation has been applied during the current month at Bahawalpur farm.

Role of different levels of Zinc on the growth and yield of Mungbean genotypes: The crop is at maturity stage and requisite data is being recorded as per plan of work.

Comparative studies on resistance of different new lines to attack of Dusky Cotton bug on cotton: The population data regarding dusky cotton long infestation on different varieties have been recorded accordingly on weekly basis.

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The effect of Vocozum (PGR, plant growth regulators) & Boron on the fruit shedding on cotton crop: The micro-nutrients have been applied to the cotton trial at recommended dates and the yield data will be recorded on maturity.

Crop productivity of cotton in relation to the water use efficiency with minimum application of water in the arid region of Bahawalpur: The irrigation has been applied to the cotton experiment according to work plan.

The income generation activities and other important technical tasks of the Institute: The cotton crop is going to maturity stage.

Weeding and Irrigation has been applied in range grasses at both the farms Bahawalpur & Cholistan.

The new sowing of Ber plants is under progress at nursery. Grafting of new ber plants are being under process at Bahawalpur farm. The plants of Grapes have been planted around the nursery.

The transplantation of Date palm plants is under progress at Bahawalpur farm.

The plant protection measures especially for ber fruit fly have been carried out in orchard at Bahawalpur farm. The sex pheromone traps have been hanged in the orchard of ber. The Methyl eugenol is being replenished regularly at weekly interval to assess the population of fruit fly.

The different International varieties of Onion and Tomato have been sown in the pots under

Nursery conditions and germination of both the seeds have been started. The nursery of tomatoes is under good condition and it is ready to be transplanted in the field condition in upcoming days. Whereas the germination of onion seed was about 15 – 20% and fen plants are remaining to be transplant.

Removal of salty layer from salt affected soil about 4.6 acres has been carried out. One foot upper salty layer has been uplifted to improve the texture of soil .The addition of farm yard manure will be done in next step.

Solar tube well at Cholistan: Solar tube well is being maintained at Cholistan farm and the water is mixed with canal water and applied to crops as per requirement.

The irrigation has been applied to citrus and Guava fields at Cholistan Farm.

The growth of millet crop sown at Cholistan farm of AZRI is at maturity stage. Although the crop condition is very poor as early mentioned.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Umerkot

Jatropha curcas crop cultivated on marginal land at AZRI Umerkot is now at vegetative growth and flowering stage. One irrigation was applied. Other agronomic practices are going in progress.

All range trees, grasses, herbs and shrubs are at sprouting, flowering and seed maturity stage. Necessary weeding, gap filling and irrigation have been continued. The ripen seed some of trees, herbs, shrubs and grasses has been collected. New study on grasses germination in two different methods i.e. through seed and second is through grass nodes, has been conducted germination has been started.

In Marvi Nursery Shed Acacia nilotica (1500 plants), Zizyphus (500

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plants), Hinna (1200 plants), Albizia lebek (1000 plants), Phog stem cutting (Calligonus polygonides) (1000 plants) are at vegetative growth stage and new nursery of Conocorpus (1700 plants), 500 plants of Rohero and 500 plants of Acacia Parkin sonia (1000), Iple Iple (1000) Sohananjro (100) are planted under the polythene sheet covered area. Acacia nilotica, Conocorpus and Acacia senegal 100 plants of each species are shifted on the boundary line of Farm.

10 acres of Cluster bean was cultivated at AZRI field. The crop has been harvested and threshed.

Experiment to see the performance of various varieties/cultivars of cluster bean were conducted at AZRI Umerkot. Eight varieties/cultivars i.e AZRI sel-2013, Indian, local guar and five genotypes having their code nos. 24275, 24283, 24289, 24290 and 24291 are cultivated with plot size 1.8mX4m and with three replications. The genotypes are harvested labeled and are kept at threshing floor for final data collection. A demo plot of four Guar varieties i. Thar bean, Malvi Bean, B.R- 99 and B.R Super-99. Acquired from ARI Tando Jam has been harvested.

Guar crop on 40 acre land was cultivated on the residual moisture/rainfall. The crop has been harvested and kept at threshing yard.

Eight varieties/cultivars of sesame i.e. 100/2, Pr.19/9, K-509, Sehwan, S-117, P2-125, L 100/5 and S-17 (check) with plot size 1.35mX5m. Having three replications are planted on 23-7-2014. A demo plot of sesame varieties TH-03, TH-06 and S-17 was also cultivated. Furthermore 10 germ plasm of sesame cultivars are also cultivated at AZRI Farm. The harvesting of trial varieties is in process.

National Uniform Yield Trial on Guar, 2014 has been conducted at AZRI Farm on 18-07-2014. Seven entries in RCBD are cultivated with a plot size of 2.7 mX7.2 m. having 3 replications, 6 rows/plot and distance from row to row at 45 cm. respectively. The trial has been harvested. Each cultivar has labeled and kept at threshing floor for yield data collection.

Experiment on sunflower varietal trial, 2014 has been conducted at AZRI farm. Ten varieties/cultivars of sunflower with plot size of 1.8 m. X 5 m. having three replications in RCBD four rows each a distance from row to row at 45 cm. were cultivated. Furthermore 16 germ plasm of Sunflower were also cultivated. The crop is at maturity stage.

Cultivation of 42 germ plasm / genotypes of cluster bean collected from IABGR (NARC), DG (SARC) and AZRI has been cultivated in the field. High yielding and better performance germ plasm will be selected for further studies. The germ plasms are harvested.

Use of Alternative Energy Sources for Pumping Water in Agriculture: Bio-gas plant was inoperative condition with daily production of 6-7 m3. Data was recorded on regular basis. Gas is used for pumping water for irrigation to grafted ber under drip of irrigation system. The mean discharge of the DC pump running with solar power was 2.0 liters/sec, while the discharge of AC pump with biogas energy at 2.8 liters/sec. was recorded.

The data of grafted Ber during the reported period indicated that an average of plant height, plant girth and plant canopy recorded were at

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274 cm. 26 cm. and 427 cm. respectively. The data has been recorded on weekly basis to achieve the best water use efficiency and uniformity coefficient. Monitoring and maintenance are continued. NP fertilizer was applied. The ber crop is at fruiting stage. The moth bean is at harvesting stage.

Introduction and testing of horticultural fruit plants in arid & semi arid condition at AZRI & farmers field: One irrigation was applied to Mulberry, Chiku and Falsa plants. The other cultural practices were also carried out. The grafted ber are also introduced in semi arid region of Thar through the collaboration of Research and Development Foundation (RDF) and Sindh Agriculture Development Association (SADA) NGo’s.

Fifty plants of grapes were planted after changing of soil for demonstration to farmers after rain. Hybrid tomatoes and onion are also intercropped under a demo drip irrigation system.

Experiment on ten international Tomato varieties has been conducted under AVRDC Project at Mian Muhammad Saleem Agri. Farm Kot Ghulam Muhammad. The varieties viz Avto 1422, Avto 1456, Avto 1417, Avto 1420, Avto 1288, Avto 1405, Avto 1418, Avto Avto 1424, Avto 1409 and Avto 1414 are cultivated. Three irrigations were applied. Weekly sprays are being applied to control insect pest and viral disease. Agronomic data is being recorded on regular basis.

Eight acres of mustard crop has been cultivated at AZRI Farm during the Rabi season. First irrigation was applied. The crop has initiated the germination. Soil is being prepared for remaining five acre mustard cultivated in next month.

The raw material of bio-fertilizer has been purchased to execute the plant.

Two irrigations were applied to Date palm orchard. Furthermore one sprays of Super din was applied to control termite.

Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit Cereal Section

Adaptability /National uniform maize hybrid yield trial (Kharif-2014) at MARC, Juglote. Data for different yield parameters were recorded and crop harvested during the reported month.

Adaptability /National uniform maize variety (OPV) yield trial (Kharif-2014) at MARC, Juglote. Data for different yield parameters were recorded and crop harvested during the reported month.

Seed production of four improved commercial maize varieties at MARC, Juglote during 2014. Crop harvested and transfer to shades for removal of cobs from plants and for shelling of grains.

Fodder Section

Performances of 9 different exotic and indigenous varieties of Alfalfa at MARC were managed during the reported month.

Adaptability /National uniform Millet Hybrid yield trial (Kharif-2014) at MARC, Juglote.Data compiled during the ported month.

Adaptability /National uniform Sorghum Hybrid yield trial (Kharif-2014) at MARC, Juglote. Data compiled during the ported month.

National Uniform Fodder Yield Trial on Sorghum for Kharif-2014.12 entries with three replications. Data compiled during the ported month.

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National Uniform Fodder Yield Trial on Millets for Kharif-2014. 09 entries with three replications. Data compiled during the ported month.

Fruit Section.

Fruit nurseries of different deciduous fruits (rootstock and grafted plants) were managed for cultural practices were carried out at MARC, Juglote, MARS Skardu and MARS, Chilas, respectively.

Deciduous fruit plants were maintained during the reported month of October.

Vegetable section

Summer vegetable nursery in experimental field was managed and data for different parameters were completely recorded during the reported month o. Sowing of SARRC vegetable seeds in open field at MARC, Juglote was managed and data for different parameters were completely recorded.

Sowing of off season vegetables i.e. China cabbage, Radish, Nepali palk and Swish chard were sown on an area of two acres for commercial sale to the communities. Now sale of off season vegetable has been started during the reported month of October.

Natural Resource Research Program

Eight soil samples were analyzed for ph, Ec, N-NO3, P & K.

Leaf samples prepared for analysis of various tests. Project proposal. Revised the work plan for the newly established Natural Resources Research Program

Fisheries (Trout)

Imported dry feeds in comparison with local feeds have been applied to trout fish initial fry.

Management & cleaning of stocking raceways Data regarding survival & growth increment up to advance fry as well as fingerling size is being collected for statistical analysis. Minor repair and cleaning of all ponds have been done and fish were distributed to all ponds according to age & sizes. Trout fish sale to public was started during the reporting period.

Data regarding survival & growth increment up to advance fry as well as fingerling size is being collected for statistical analysis. Minor repair and cleaning of all ponds have been done and fish were distributed to all ponds according to age & sizes. Trout fish sale to public was started during the reporting period.

Livestock

(106) Local / Betal goats were successfully crossed with Betal Bucks in October.

(16) local cows were directly crossed with Jersey breeding bull during the reporting month.



Supervision of 09 M. Phil / Ph. D students from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University and Agricultural College Baleli, Quetta and one students of Agricultural College Balelli, Quetta doing M. Sc. Research at BARDC, Quetta.

Agro-meteorological data were recorded from BARDC observatory unit. No rain received during the month under report and max 21oC was

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recorded.

Data was distributed among different organizations for information and utilization.


Land preparation and pre-soaking on 26th October of wheat comprehensive trail, being conducted in coordination with Agriculture University Peshawar, sponsored by Inter-Cooperation (IC).

Data of Mungbean adaptation trial contributed by NIFA, Peshawar has been subjected for statistical analysis and sent to QC.

Some promising plants have been selected from Regional trial on Guar, provided by Guar Botanist, RARI, Bahawalpur for progeny block sowing next year. Crop is at maturity stage.

National uniform fodder yield trials on maize, sorghum and millet are at maturity stage.

Sunflower hybrid seed production sown in coordination with the Oilseed Programme, CSI, NARC, Islamabad, is average. However male female synchronization is absent till now.

Nine acres sugar beet has been sown in collaboration with Al-Moiz sugar mills, D.I. Khan.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) Bahawalpur

The Agro-met data (temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind velocity and evaporation) have been recorded on daily basis from observatory unit of AZRI, Bahawalpur and shared with District Met Department.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Umerkot

Coordination with local progressive farmers and NGO’s like RDF, SADA, Larr Humanitarian Development Foundation, Thar Deep, SCOPE, Basic- DF and provincial Agriculture Department was continued.

Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit

Coordination with Karakuram International University Gilgit Baltistan. M. Sc students come from KIU for soil analysis as well as Students of fruit processing also visits.

Farmers have visited to see maize crop and demanded for improved verities of wheat seeds as the sowing of wheat season yet to be started.

Seeds of NUWYT and CIMMYT Wheat trials were collected from NARC Islamabad to conduct trials of wheat at MARC and MARC stations

3 Dissemination of research results new technologies


Seed of advanced wheat varieties (Shalkot-14 & Tijaban-10) and Barley seed was distributed among the farmers of different districts of Balochistan.

Farmer field day was conducted at BARDC; farmers were briefed regarding importance of new research technologies & agronomic practices and varietal impact on yield.


A group of farmers from Southern Punjab visited AZRI and was briefed about date plam (Cv. Dhakki) production and orchard management.

Agro-meteorological data were recorded from AZRI observatory unit. Maximum (36 0C) and minimum temperature (140C) was recorded on 09-10-2014 and 14-10-2014 respectively. Windblown @ 4km / hour on 10-10-2014. Total rainfall 4mm was received during the month

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under report. Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Umerkot

The research results of alternative energy sources (Solar, Wind and Bio-gas) , biofuel plant and new drought tolerant crops varieties like mung bean, sorghum, sunflower, chick pea, guar, mustard, millet, sesame and range species like Acacia Senegal, Lasiurus scindicus and grafted Zizyphus are introduced among farmers.

Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit

Provided the crossing facilities as on-going activity to the communities of Juglote for the improvement local livestock breed of cows, sheep & goats with improved breed of Jersey, Dahmani and Betal respectively.

4 Capacity building & Training/visits


Mr. Amanullah (SSO, BARDC) and Mr. Mohammad Yaqoob (SSO, HRI, Khuzdar) attended workshop entitled “Project Formulation Workshop” organized by Pakistan Science Foundation Islamabad, at BUITEMS Quetta.

Mr. Nadeem SSO and Mr. Abdullah Baloch attended training entitled “Olive extraction and production” at Chakwal organized by POCEDPA, Italian project.


Dr. Muhammad Mansoor, PSO, AZRI, attended training seminar on “Climate Change and Green Low-Carbon Development 2014 sponsored by Department of Climate Change, National Development and Reform Commission, organized by Academy of Macroeconomic Research, People’s Republic of China from 19-09-2014 to 9-10-2014 in Beijing.

Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob and Dr. Amanullah attended workshop regarding climate change / international year of farming families organized by Regional Program Coordinator, Livelihood Program Hundukush South Region, Dera Ismail Khan.

Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob attended the coordination meeting at Agricultural University Peshawar, regarding comprehensive wheat trial being conducted under climate change/international year of farming families.

Team mission of Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) visited AZRI farm and office headed by Mr. Halmet (a German) accompanied by SDC and IC officials. It included thorough visit of AZRI farm followed by meeting with AZRI scientists on further collaboration in the fields of agriculture and water management.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bahawalpur

Mr. Malik Muhammad Yousaf, Director AZRI, Bahawalpur visited the Annual Wheat Planning Meeting and Wheat Productivity Enhancement Program (WPEP) Annual Review during September 11-12, 2014 at National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad.

Director AZRI, Bahawalpur attended a meeting on land utilization and future work plan. The meeting was chaired by the federal Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The Director AZRI, Bahawalpur has given the detailed presentation about the land utilization plan 2013-14 and 2014-15 of research and income generation activities of the institute. Director AZRI, Bahawalpur participated a workshop on "Post harvest Strategies for Vegetable

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Value Chains Improvement" for Partner Institutes on September 18, 2014.

Mr. Muhammad Jahangir Shah, SSO/FM & Mr. Bashir Ahmad, SSO visited the Lagari Farm at Choti Zerin, D.G Khan for the training of farmers about the arid horticultural plants especially ber, its grafting, nutritional management and plant protection measures on sand dunes with drip irrigation systems.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) Umerkot

Dr. Attaullah Khan Director AZRI Umerkot attended Senate Standing Committee meeting at Islamabad held on 21-10-2014.

ARDF team along with school students visited AZRI on 22-10-2014. Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit

Mr. Shafiullah Director and Mr. Sher Ahmad PSO has attend one day meeting of ICIMOD on 21/10/2014 at PARC, Islamabad.

Animal Sciences Division

S.# Official Task/ Activity

Status of Task

1 Research and Development activities (core/development budget)

Animal Nutrition Program:

ALP project “Generation of reference values on amino acid availability in local feedstuffs for poultry and capacity building at NARC/PIASA” has been started.

An experiment entitled “Nutritional evaluation of corn silage bales influenced by storage conditions” with collaboration of Livestock Research Station has been carried out. Laboratory analyses of the silage are under process. The batches tested to date had following proximate composition: dry matter 32.9, crude protein 8.0, crude fibre 30.1, ash 7.3, ether extract 2.9

An experiment “Effect of dietary supplementation of microbial feed additives on the production and health status of lactating dairy animals” was completed. Results of milk yield reveled that yeast-supplementation increased the milk production. The average fecal population of total coliform was lower but total lactic acid bacteria (CFU/g) were greater with yeast-supplemented than in control group. Remaining laboratory tests are under process.

Animal Health Program:

Under PPR ALP project, a local isolate of PPR virus (PAK-Fjg-07/NARC4) from AHP repository is being attenuated for the development of PPR vaccine by serial passages on Vero cells. During month under report 35 serial passages have been completed.

To check the thermal stability of six local isolates of PPR virus, three different temperatures (37°C, 22°C and 4°C) were given to the isolates for different time intervals. The infectious titre will be calculated further.

An experiment for raising of hyperimmune sera against PPR in sheep and goats at LRS has been completed.

Repository of different local isolates of PPR and FMD viruses was maintained.

Successfully maintained and sub-cultured Vero, LFBK and LFBKaVB6 cell lines.

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Repository of different local isolates of PPR and FMD viruses, and cell lines of LFBK and LFBKaVB6 were maintained.

To check the physiochemical properties of FMD virus, aliquots of Type O isolate were placed at 37°C, 57°C, and 77°C for 15, 30 and 45 minutes. pH and UV light irradiation will be given in further experiment.

Animal Product Improvement Program:

In Small Ruminant Research (SRR) section of APIP, an RADP Sub-Project “Study on Production Potential of Different Sheep and Goats for Mutton Production under High Input System” is in progress. The goat flock is being scanned through ultrasonography.

The SRR is collaborating with Animal Health Program for the studies on PPR vaccine sera, and with ILRI and CIMMYT in the Agricultural Innovative Project (AIP). Additionally, the section is also collaborating with Range Research Institute in the RADP sub-project “Rangeland Improvement by Re-vegetation of Suitable Species and Development of Model Pasture at NARC”

In Dairy and Meat Technology section (DMT) of APIP, an RADP funded project, “Semi commercial experimental trials of yogurt production with locally developed indigenous starter culture” is in progress. Five milk/yoghurt samples were processed and five desirable strains of indigenous lactic acid bacteria were isolated/preserved. Also, tender documents for the procurement of consumable and non-consumable supplies were prepared and submitted.

Animal Reproduction and Genetics Program:

Under a PSF funded project, “Investigations on Fertility-Related Biomarkers in Buffalo Semen to reduce male-factor losses (MFLs)”, pregnancy tests were performed in sixty animals (out of 600) regarding fertility trial on buffaloes with semen collected and preserved in low breeding season.

Under the ALP project “Improving reproductive efficiency of cows and buffaloes through oestrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination”, a trial has been started around Kot Addu with non-descript cows. Forty seven animals were treated with CIDR for heat synchronization.

Under collaborative project entitled “Camel semen cryopreservation”, 2 male and 2 female camels are passing through acclimatization phase before start of their training for semen donation in artificial vagina. Procurement of necessary equipment and consumables has been completed.

Aquaculture and Fisheries Program:

Following activities were performed under the project, “Intensification of fish culture to increase per unit area fish production in farm ponds using different managemental inputs”:

An experiment under the theme, “To study the growth performance of carps fed on supplementary fish feeds containing varying levels of proteins i.e. 15, 20 and 25 % CP” is in progress. Under this experiment, the average weight of Rohu, Mori, Grass carp and Silver carp were 384.72, 494.02, 639.32 and 687.23 gm respectively in treatment 1, while in treatment 2 Rohu, Mori, Grass carp and Silver carp were 487.75, 451.92, 557.14 and 698.35 gm respectively. The duration for this experiment is six months.

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An experiment under the theme, “Comparison of efficiency of balanced fish feed formulated from locally available feed ingredients having 25%, 30 % and 35 % crude protein for the growth of fry” is in progress. Under this experiment, two thousand fries of Rohu and Mori were brought from Punjab hatchery Islamabad and stocked in concrete raceways for acclimatization. The average weight of mori is 4.6 and rohu is 3.9 gm and will be stocked in earthen ponds for growth performance in the next month.

The AFRP successfully bred Guppies and Mollies (ornamental fish) in concrete raceways. This achievement is expected to be a major milestone in breeding of these fishes within the country.


Animal Health Program:

Monthly teleconference was held with PIADC USDA to share FMD project achievements.

Monthly meeting of AH scientists was conducted to review the ongoing research activities and share the significant findings. .

Tele meeting with the provincial project in charge of PPR project ALP in Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Baluchistan, GB and AJK.

Under Epinode, coordinated with provincial L&DD to know the disease status of various diseases in each province.

Animal Reproduction and Genetics Program:

Coordination activity for ALP project “Improving reproductive efficiency of cows and buffaloes through oestrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination” was performed. A presentation was made at PARC regarding the progress of all the units. A new component of the ALP project was started in AJK with aims to improve reproductive efficiency of local cows.

A project entitled “Development of open nucleus breeding scheme for Nili buffalo and Sahiwal cattle at NARC” was revised and resubmitted for funding from RADP.

Presentation was prepared for Bovine semen production and Kajli Sheep Conservation component of cluster project for forthcoming CDWP meeting.

A brief Work Plan on the MOU between PARC and INTA, Argentina regarding cryopreservation of semen, embryos was prepared and submitted to PARC.

ARGP scientists worked as external examiners for an MPhil thesis from AIOU.

Aquaculture and Fisheries Program:

Progress regarding the 2nd year activities of ongoing ALP project entitled: “Intensification of fish culture to increase per unit area fish production in farm ponds using different managemental inputs” was presented to Member (ASD) in PARC on 21 October 2014.

- Attended the meeting with RADP (Director) PARC regarding the RADP cold chain project on 24th October 2014.

3 Dissemination of research results/new techniques (Publications,

- Training Workshop on “In-Country Harmonization of ELISA and HI Techniques for H7N9 Surveillance and Diagnosis” held at Conference Room NRLPD ASI, NARC on 23-10-2014.

Dissemination of Research Products:

Under PATCO, the FTU-ANP sold 539 bags of PARC cattle feed, 35 kg

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Research Papers, Articles, Radio TV Talks, Seminars, Symposia, Workshop etc.

milk booster, and 53 urea molasses blocks.

Under PATCO, the ANP analyzed proximate composition of 6 six samples of UMB and one cattle feed sample from FAO, while two feed samples from Afghanistan.

The AFRP provided fingerlings of American Channel cat fish (5-8 g weight) to fish farmers in Punjab for observing the growth performance in earthen ponds.

Under PATCO, the AFRP sold ornamental fishes at an amount of Rs 7425/-.

Trainings/exhibitions:

The DMT section of APIP prepared a Power Point presentation on “promoting value addition through development and dissemination of improved dairy product technology for smallholders” and submitted to Director Outreach Project, NARC, Islamabad.

The ANP organized a farmer meeting on nutrition and management of cows attended by 25 dairy farmers from KPK.

All the programs of ASO participated in the exhibition on the eve of World Food Day on 16th October 2014 at the NARC Auditorium premises and displayed the technologies developed at ASI.

Publications:

A poster entitled, “Isolation and identification of Brucella from aborting ewes” was presented in 1st International Conference on Zoonoses held at BZU, Multan from 16-17 October 2014.

Three papers were presented in 5th Int. Conf. on Agri., Food Security Climate Change to be held in Rawalakot (AJK). Titles were:

Effect of GnRH and bull exposure on conception rate after estrus synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone in buffaloes during low breeding season

Effect of intensity of biostimulation on ovarian and adrenal activity in postpartum Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Characteristics of peri-urban dairy production system around Islamabad

Two manuscripts from international research journals (Animal Reproduction Science and Iranian J Vet Res) were reviewed by ASI scientists.

Awards: Three ARGP scientists received certificates of Research Productivity Awards at a ceremony held at NARC on 22 Oct 2014.

4 Trainings imparted

- Training course on “Development of Livestock and Dairy Sector” October 20-24, 2014 at PARD, Peshawar.

In ANP, one MPhil student from PIASA and one MSc student from University of Hazara are conducting their research work. Ten farmers were guided on feeding and management of calf fattening and dairy animals.

The AHP imparted three days training on PPR diagnosis, surveillance and control to veterinarians from Baluchistan. The Small Ruminant section of the APIP advised 6 farmers and two livestock equipment manufacturers on small ruminant production. Two students from PIASA-NARC are working in this program on comparative sensitivity of various cell lines used for isolation of FMD virus.

In DMT section of the APIP, two MPhil students of the Hazara

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University are doing research on semi commercial yoghurt project for their theses research.

At ARGP, research work of 03 PhD and 04 M. Phil students is being supervised. The AFP briefed and advised 7 fish farmers on different aspects of fish culture system.

Social Sciences Division

S# Official Task / Activity

Status of Task

1. Research and Development Activities

Research Studies worked on:

Study entitled “Factors affecting the mungbeen acreages and production in Low Intensity Zone of the Punjab “- Report writing in progress

Study entitled “Baseline Survey of AIP Project Pakistan (CIMMYT)-Data writing in progress

Economics of Relay Wheat Cultivation in Cotton Crop in the Cotton-Wheat Zone of Punjab-Data entry completed

Economic Feasibility and Prospects of Strawberry Spread in Central Punjab- Data analysis completed

Prospects of Fish Farming in Saline Area of Rice-Wheat Cropping system of the Punjab-Questionnaire developed and data collection will follow.

Adoption of Recommended Production Practices and Their Impact on Citrus Productivity in Punjab-Data collection and entry completed

Analysis of Price Variation of Essential Agricultural food Commodities at Different Levels of Marketing-Data compilation completed wholesale, retail and produce prices

Assessment of Recommended Production Technologies Adopted by the Cotton Growers in the Punjab-Data analysis in progress

Economics Analysis of Turmeric Crop in Kasur District-Data entry completed

The role of milk collection contract in improving Milk Production and Marketing in irrigated Punjab-Data collection in Gujanwala district completed

Data collected for the study “Role of Circular Labour Migration in Building Household Level Adaptive Capacity and Community Resilience to Environmental and Socioeconomic Changes in Mountainous Areas” being conducted by SSRI NARC/ ICIMOD Pakistan

Progress evaluation of ALP project “Investigation into effectiveness of the concept of farmer’s field school (FFS) in agricultural development in districts Malakand, Swat and Charsadda”

Progress evaluation of ALP project “Agricultural Productivity in Relation to Farmer’s Nutritional Status of Mardan”

Data has been analyzed and report writing is progress for the study “Profitability of Agriculture in Different Cropping System of AJK”

Questionnaire has been pre-tested for the study “Walnut Value Chain Analysis in AJK” in Leepa Valley.

Survey questionnaire of research Study “Banana production and

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Marketing system in Balochistan” was developed and circulated among researchers for feedback.

First draft of research study on wheat production practices in Balochistan conducted by CIMMYT funding is ready and submitted to quarter concern.

Cell Phone Technology as a Source of Agricultural Knowledge: A Farmers Perception (A Case Study of Mardan District). The questionnaire pretested in the field and modified the questionnaire. The questionnaire is ready for survey and the survey will be conducted in end of November, 2014.

Irrigation Water for Sustainable Food Production and Rural Development: A Case Study of Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) in District D.I.Khan, Pakistan” Questionnaire is ready for survey and the survey will be conducted in December.

Knowledge Gap between Agriculture Extension Agents & Farming Community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” literature reviewed and questionnaire designing is in progress.

Data entry is in progress for research study entitled “Onion Assessment Survey in Mohmand Agency with coordination of Director Agricultural Research FATA, Tarnab-Peshawar.

Data collected for research study entitled “Tomato Assessment Survey in Bajawar Agency with coordination of Director Agricultural Research FATA, Tarnab-Peshawar.

Trends of climate change with focus on droughts on local communities in rainfed areas of Pakistan- Data analysis in progress

Climate change impact on livelihood of local communities in rainfed areas of Punjab. - Data analysis in progress

Climate change vulnerabilities and coping strategies of resilience in rainfed areas of Punjab. - Data analysis in progress

An Exploratory Survey of Indigenous Knowledge of Climate Change in Rainfed Areas of Punjab - Data analysis in progress

Identification of Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Water Management in Pothwar Region - Data analysis in progress

Developed questionnaire for the study entitled” competitiveness and comparative advantage of potato farming in Punjab Pakistan”. - Data analysis in progress

Assessment survey of host farmer at chakwal site under water shed project. - Data analysis in progress

Collected data for project SIAK from wheat research institute, Ayyub Agricultural Institute Faisalabad, Punjab Agricultural research board, Lahore, Private companies, Maize and millet research institute, Yousif wala, Regional agricultural research institute, Bahawalpur.

Report writing in progress for the study entitled “ Impact assessment of women training on value chain addition of fruits and vegetables” under CRP1.1 Project

Data entry of the study impact assessment of women training on value addition of fruits and vegetables is in progress.

Final Report writing is in progress for the research study on “Assessment and Farmer Perceptions Regarding Tunnel Farming at Project Sites”

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Review of Literature is in progress for the study entitled “Assessment and Evaluation of Technologies demonstrated at farmers’ field under soil fertility project”

Submitted Final report of SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS CONSIDERATIONS of Famer Field Day at village Marth (Chakwal) entitled “Beneficial role of Biozote and Micro-nutrients for Enhancing Soil Productivity and Soil Health under Soil Fertility and Health Project”, organized by LRRI, NARC with collaboration of USDA-ICARDA dated 16th September, 2014.

Submitted Final report of SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS CONSIDERATIONS of Famer Field Day at village Dhok Awan of tehsil Talagang (Chakwal) entitled “Beneficial role of Biozote and Micro-nutrients for Enhancing Soil Productivity and Soil Health under Soil Fertility and Health Project”, organized by LRRI, NARC with collaboration of USDA-ICARDA dated 18th September, 2014.

Conducted survey for the study entitled “Role of Circular Migration in Building Household Level Adaptive Capacity and Community Resilience to Environmental and Socio-Economic Changes in Mountainous Areas” in district Chitral, KP, dated 12th -27th October, 2014.

Economic Analysis of Synthetic Fertilizer Use in Wheat Production

“Baseline Survey Wheat in Sindh” Report writing has been completed and send to CIMMYT for comments.

2. Coordination Activities

Mr. Sher Baz Khan, PSO, SSRI, Faisalabad attended the meeting of production plan of Sunflower and Sugarcane 2015-16.

Mr. Ather Mehmood, SSO, SSRI, Faisalabad attended the meeting of Annual Review and Planning Meeting of improving soil fertility and soil health project (ICARDA) at NARC, Islamabad.

Mr. Ather Mehmood, SSO, SSRI, Faisalabad participated in farmer field day at Nawan Pind tehsil Safdarabad district Sheikhupura.(ICARDA Project) at Rehan chak (Gujranwala).

Mr Jumo, SSO, SSRI, Quetta has participated in two day review meeting of Soil Fertility and Soil Health in Islamabad.

Scientists from SSRI, NARC made a field Visit to Sargodha from 19 to 20 October for social project ASLP II to identify youth group of male and female

Manzoor Ali Memon, Director, SSRI, Tandojam participated in annual review meeting on the “Watershed Project ICCARDA” at Islamabad on dated: 20th and 21st October, 2014.

3. Dissemination of Information

Re-examining the Inverse Relationship between Farm size and Productivity in Pakistan - Paper accepted for publication in Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences Vol. 24: No.5

Economics of Peri-Urban Radish Production and Marketing in Faisalabad - Paper Submitted to PJAR of PARC

Research paper entitled “Yield Gap Determinants for Wheat Production in Major Irrigated Cropping Zones of Punjab Province of Pakistan” – Paper accepted

Provided statistical advisory and data analysis services to three students of PIASA and three scientists of NARC.

Research paper entitled “Diffusion and adoption status of Markaz 09 variety of lentil in Pothwar region published in Sarhad journal of

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Agricultural research.

Coordination & Monitoring Division

S. # Official Task/ Activity

Status of Task

1. Coordination Activity

As desired by Secretary, MNFS&R, intimation letters were issued around 25 participants to attend Consultation meeting of Stack-holders over the proposal for sustainable of agriculture in Guilgit-Baltistan through MARC with the collaboration of ICIMOD on 27-10-2014. Later on, due to pressing engagement of Federal Secretary at Karachi postponement letters were issued to all concerned. Attended Meeting regarding youth conference with ICIMOD officials at NARC. World Food Day event held on 16-10-2014 at NARC Delivered a presentation on the activities and future targets of the Directorate of National Coordination to Chairman, PARC

2. MOU’s i) Conducted signing Ceremony of National MOU b/w PARC & Sohani Dharti an Agricultural Television Network, Islamabad.

ii) Processing of Contract Agreement on Collaboration on Chillies Research at Tandojam b/w PARC and Govt. of Sindh and sent to GoP Sindh for signature.

3. Training Twelve cases of local short term trainings were processed and circulated for the month of October and two officers/ officials were issued NOC for PhD/MS/M.Phill to the local institutions. i) During the month of October 3 foreign short term and 3 long term

training cases of the scientist were processed. and sent to the MNFS&R.

ii) Twenty three cases of international visits of scientists were processed to participate in the different events for different countries and send to the Ministry of Food Security & for approval. About twenty scientists participated in international events on different themes in different countries.

iii) During the reported period a concept paper was submitted to M/o NFS&R under TICA assistance Program. The first daft of SOP’s regarding monitoring and evaluation mechanism of trainee scientists abroad and in Pakistan and training of fresh scientists & field staff was prepared. The draft was presented to the Chairman PARC, in a review meeting of Coordination Division at PARC.

Planning & Development Division

S # Official Task/Activity Status of Task

1. Processing of PSDP projects

The cash/work plan 2014-15 of PARC projects which have their allocation in PSDP 2014-15 were prepared by PDs/PIs and submitted to the M/o NFS&R for approval of the Finance and P& D Division, Govt. of Pakistan by P&D Division, PARC.

The Meeting of Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) was held on 22nd October, 2014 under the chairmanship of Secretary M/o NFS&R. Three new projects of PARC were

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discussed in the meeting.

A new project of PARC entitled “Development of the Pakistan Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures Institute (PCMCI)” costing Rs. 319.78 million for a period of 36 months was submitted to the M/o NFS&R for further processing of PSDP funding.

2. Meetings of the Steering Committees of PSDP projects

The Steering Committee meeting of the project RADP was held on 2nd October, 2014 at PARC Headquarters. The Secretary M/o NFS&R chaired the meeting. Minutes of the same will be circulated after proper approval of the chair.

3. Presentation to the Secretary M/o NFS&R on on-going PSDP projects

1st Quarter Review 2014-15 of PSDP projects was scheduled to be held from 27th to 31st October, 2014 by the M/o Planning, Development & Reforms. For the purpose, in-house presentations of PARC projects were made to the Secretary M/o NFS&R on 17th & 24th October, 2014. The presentation finalized after in-house meetings was submitted to the Secretary M/o NFS&R for 1st Quarter Review 2014-15 in the Planning Commission.

4. Preparation of report of on-site evaluation of ALP on-going project

Compiled and prepared on-site evaluation report of one (1) ALP on-going project under Social Sciences Division, get approved by the Director General, P&D Division, PARC and circulated the same to all concerned for favor of further necessary action on individual’s part.

5. Preparation of PARC Business Plan 2013-18 and M&E activities

After the preparation of PARC Business Plan 2013-18 distribution of document is continued on request basis. Implementation process of M&E activities being followed up. Formats prepared, refined and distribution to concerned for filling up Annual Work plan 2014-15. Annual Work plan of ASD and NRD received and discussed with PARC Divisions for improvements.

6. Project on Capacity Building for proposal writing

Preparations for KPK workshop completed. Spade work for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan is going on. Nominations and call letters sent for KPK organizations and nominations received and processed. KPK (5th capacity building workshop organized and executed from 27-31 October 2014). 17 participants invited, however 14 could join. All of them presented their proposals prepared during the workshop. Refined proposals will be submitted to ALP for processing and funding. Couple of proposals received were reviewed and necessary input given for refinement. The refined proposals submitted to ALP Secretariat, PARC for short listing.

7. ALP and others Given input to prepare NAC and TAC notifications. Activities report for the month of September 2014 prepared and sent to Directorate of PM&E of P&D Division, PARC.

8. Monitoring of Ongoing Projects

Continued monitoring of ALP ongoing projects (62) being implemented at various research institutes/universities. Financial and technical progress reports of thirteen (27) projects collected from PIs examined/evaluated and were forwarded to the Finance Division and technical divisions after found in order for further releases of funds on basis of expenditure reported and budget allocation.

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National Agricultural Research Centre

9. Funds Released Funds were released to fifteen (19) on-going projects after the financial reports were provided by the PIs of the projects and forwarded to Finance Division, PARC.

10. Budget revision The budget break-up for 2014-15 in respect of three (3) on-going projects revised as per project requirements were examined and processed for approval of the competent authority in the council through technical division. The revised budget 2014-15 after the approval by the Chairman, PARC/BOD, ALP provided to all concerned for further action.

11. Project Implementation Agreements

Project implementation agreement in respect of the a projects approved in 19th meeting of BOD, ALP held on 15th May, 2014 processed for signing with the host institutes after negotiation of budget with the PIs.

12. Follow-up actions Followed regularly the completion formalities of the completed projects required to be finalized on closing of projects. Pending actions were pursued with the PIs of three (3) projects for early completion.

13. Appraisal of Project Proposals

The details project proposals under 7th batch of ALP being provided by the scientists remained under process of appraisal. The proposals were evaluated and further processed for appraisal by national referees.

14. Projects processing under MOU

i. A proposal on “Alternative Energy Resource Adaptations for Livelihood Improvement through Rural Community Participation” developed by CAEWRI, NARC scientist for consideration under “Need Survey for Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)” for Japanese Fiscal Year 2015 has been provided on approval of the Chairman, PARC to the M/o NFS&R for onward transmission to the EAD.

ii. A project proposal on “Improving Skills on Evaluating Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture in Drought/Flood Prone Areas of South Asia” developed by CAEWRI, NARC scientist in response to 2014 CAPABLE Call for Proposal by Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) Japan Funding submitted through on-line to the APN on approval of the Chairman, PARC with intimation to the M/o NFS&R.

iii. A research proposal on “Selection and Development of Chill Varieties for Indigenous and Exotic Material in Lower Sindh” developed by AZRI, Umerkot submitted to Pakistan Science Foundation for consideration and approval.

Sr.# Official Task/ Activity Status of the task

1. Research and Development

Designed micro-sprinkler irrigation system for nurseries Block of various local fruit plants under plastic tunnel at AZRI, Bahawalpur under Pak-China project “Improving Crop Water Productivity using Efficient Irrigation Systems and Management Practices”

Drip irrigation system was designed for the installation on banana crop at Tando Muhammad Khan

Meteorological data like; minimum maximum temp., relative

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humidity, solar radiations, rainfall, etc was recorded, computed and disseminated as a regular activity

Different Seasonal vegetables planted over at area of 0.26 acre area like Salad (Green and ice burg), Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli and garlic. Moreover patotoes have been sown over 2 canal area at Kambrial.

Drip irrigation system demonstrated in high and low tunnels farming system in Arokas area

Solar operated Rain-gun sprinkler system installed and demonstrated at kambrail field station

Performance evaluation of solar pumping system was evaluated at different period of interval at Fathjang, Starameel and Kambrail

Draft report on 2014 flood affected areas of Punjab - their Extent and Coverage was prepared.

Small combine harvester was tested on mungbean crop and it was found successful

Two sugarcane National Uniform Yield Trials, NUYT-2013-15 (2nd year Plant) and NUYT-2014-16 (1st year Plant) comprising of 5 and 6 candidate sugarcane varieties respectively plus 2 standard chicks each planted in Sep, 2014.

A sugar beet adaptability trial comprising 10 exotic hybrids was planted at two locations i.e. Al-Moiz Sugar Mills, D. I. Khan and Chak No. 99/TD, Karor, District Layyah.

Hybrid rice seed production experiments were maintained at NARC, ARI, Mingora Swat, NT&HVRI Shinkiari, Mansehra, NS&TCI, Thatta and Rice Unit, Kala Shah Kaku

Crossing of 8 sets of CMS lines with the elite lines/varieties (BC3) in the isolation cages was completed.

Crossing of Chinese import CMS line with the four elite lines/varieties in the isolation cages was completed.

Crossing/selfing of maize b4reeding material and maintenance of OPV varieties/advanced lines was done planted in field C2.

Harvesting, threshing and drying of groundnut variety evaluation experiments, breeding material (F3, F4 and F5) and seed increase of 10 promising lines are in progress.

Hybridization activity was carried out using two male and nine female parents.

Seed multiplication blocks planted on 270 acres at NARC were maintained by integrated weed control at NARC.

Following trials of rapeseed and mustard were planted: National Uniform Rapeseed Yield Trials (22 entries) National Uniform Mustard Yield Trials (18 entries) Development and maintenance of inbred lines Development and maintenance of inbred lines Development of new hybrid combinations Evaluation of hybrid combinations Preliminary Yield Trial of Rapeseed Preliminary Yield Trial of Mustard Chinese Rapeseed Yield Trial

Promotion of PARC Canola Hybrid promotion was continued

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with the collaboration of NRSP, PODB, Agriculture Extension Department in Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Atock, Chakwal, Swabi and Kurram Agency (FATA). A total of 8000 acres were planted under PARC Canola hybrid.

Seed of three Chinese sugarcane varieties, i.e., YTTH-55, YTTH-53 and YTTH-236 was distributed to two sugar mills, Chasma-II, D. I. Khan and Ashraf Sugar Mills, Ashraf Abad, Bahawalpur for seed multiplication and zonal evaluation.

Laboratory analyses of the silage are under process. The batches tested to date had following proximate composition: dry matter 32.9, crude protein 8.0, crude fibre 30.1, ash 7.3, ether extract 2.9

An experiment “Effect of dietary supplementation of microbial feed additives on the production and health status of lactating dairy animals” was completed. Results of milk yield reveled that yeast-supplementation increased the milk production. The average fecal population of total coliform was lower but total lactic acid bacteria (CFU/g) were greater with yeast-supplemented than in control group. Remaining laboratory tests are under process.

Under PPR ALP project, a local isolate of PPR virus (PAK-Fjg-07/NARC4) from AHP repository is being attenuated for the development of PPR vaccine by serial passages on Vero cells. During month under report 35 serial passages have been completed.

To check the thermal stability of six local isolates of PPR virus, three different temperatures (37°C, 22°C and 4°C) were given to the isolates for different time intervals. The infectious titre will be calculated further.

To check the physiochemical properties of FMD virus, aliquots of Type O isolate were placed at 37°C, 57°C, and 77°C for 15, 30 and 45 minutes. pH and UV light irradiation will be given in further experiment.

The SRR is collaborating with Animal Health Program for the studies on PPR vaccine sera, and with ILRI and CIMMYT in the Agricultural Innovative Project (AIP). Additionally, the section is also collaborating with Range Research Institute in the RADP sub-project “Rangeland Improvement by Re-vegetation of Suitable Species and Development of Model Pasture at NARC”

Under a PSF funded project, “Investigations on Fertility-Related Biomarkers in Buffalo Semen to reduce male-factor losses (MFLs)”, pregnancy tests were performed in sixty animals (out of 600) regarding fertility trial on buffaloes with semen collected and preserved in low breeding season.

Completed and analysis and summary of NUWYT 2013-14

Seed preparation (NUWYT) of trials for growing season 2014-15.

Integrated management of honeybee parasitic mite (queen caging essential oils/plant extracts, positive control and negative) was carried out on Apis mellifera at Nichandi Chakwal. The results indicted that queen caging gave best result followed by essential oil as compared to check (negative control).

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Extracted ber honey from beehives of HBRI placed at Nichandi, Malhal Mughlan District Chakwal.

Shifted the HBRI honey bee colonies back to NARC and supplemental feeding was given for winter management.

For the implementation of RADP Project “High Quality Honey Production from Margalla Hills”the specifications of 500 colonies and beekeeping equipments have been submitted to PD, RADP, PARC for procurement.

The beehive was closely observed to study the behavior of Apis cerana bees to differentiate it from the Apis mellifera.

Participated and presented different products/achievements of HBRI in the World Food Day i.e. October 16, 2014 at NARC Auditorium.

Annual Business Plan 2014-15 and 2015-16 prepared and submitted to the concerned quarter.

Processing of bee wax and preparation of different parts of the hives in the wood workshop for winter management of HBRI colonies.

2. Coordination Activity Poster presentation of CAEWRIs’ tangible achievements were prepared and displayed/presented to various visitors during World Food Day, 2014, NARC

Prepared Presentation on Alternative Energy in Agriculture: Past, present and Future Scenario for DG, AED, PARC

Provide input to AED for developing of PC-1 for Alternate energy institute at NARC

Presentation was attended and given on HI-AWARE Project activities to SDPI team members visited institute on 29th October.

NUYT’s of lentil and chickpea were prepared and dispatched to the collaborators throughout the country.

PL, Rice participated in spot examination of new candidate basmati rice mutant lines (EF 20-52-04 and EF 1-30-39-04) at NIAB, Faisalabad on Oct. 15, 2014.

Monthly teleconference was held with PIADC USDA to share FMD project achievements.

Monthly meeting of AH scientists was conducted to review the ongoing research activities and share the significant findings. .

Tele meeting with the provincial project in charge of PPR project ALP in Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Baluchistan, GB and AJK.

Under Epinode, coordinated with provincial L&DD to know the disease status of various diseases in each province.

Coordination activity for ALP project “Improving reproductive efficiency of cows and buffaloes through oestrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination” was performed. A presentation was made at PARC regarding the progress of all the units. A new component of the ALP project was started in AJK with aims to improve reproductive efficiency of local cows.

Presentation was prepared for Bovine semen production and Kajli Sheep Conservation component of cluster project for forthcoming CDWP meeting.

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Progress regarding the 2nd year activities of ongoing ALP project entitled: “Intensification of fish culture to increase per unit area fish production in farm ponds using different manage-mental inputs” was presented to Member (ASD) in PARC on 21 October 2014.

Attended the meeting with RADP (Director) PARC regarding the RADP cold chain project on 24th October 2014.

Facilitated the Oil Seed Program by shifting the 15 honeybee colonies for pollination of sunflower hybrid seed production.

Processed bees wax for formation of comb foundation sheets for Apis cerana and Apis mellifera beekeepers and for HBRI apiary.

Assisted PATCO by testing honey quality and procuring acacia honey.

3. Dissemination of Research/training

Revised research paper entitled “Characterization of Malir River Basin for Management of Water Resource Using Geo-Informatics” was resubmitted after incorporating reviewers comments to Internal Jr. of Scientific and Technology, impact factor of 0.675

Soybean Field Day was organized on 20th Oct. 2014 at NARC in collaboration with PATCO and API. Federal Minister for Ministry of NFS&R chaired as Chief Guest.

PARC Canola Hybrid and Groundnut medium maturity entry Potohar were approved by VEC on Sep. 30, 2014.

Under PATCO, the FTU-ANP sold 539 bags of PARC cattle feed, 35 kg milk booster, and 53 urea molasses blocks.

Under PATCO, the ANP analyzed proximate composition of 6 six samples of UMB and one cattle feed sample from FAO, while two feed samples from Afghanistan.

Under PATCO, the AFRP sold ornamental fishes at an amount of Rs 7425/-.

The DMT section of APIP prepared a Power Point presentation on “promoting value addition through development and dissemination of improved dairy product technology for smallholders” and submitted to Director Outreach Project, NARC Islamabad.

The ANP organized a farmer meeting on nutrition and management of cows attended by 25 dairy farmers from KPK.

A poster entitled, “Isolation and identification of Brucella from aborting ewes” was presented in 1st International Conference on Zoo noses held at BZU, Multan from 16-17 October 2014.

Seed of lentil variety Markaz-09 was provided to farmers on their demand.

Three papers were presented in 5th Int. Conf. on Agri., Food Security Climate Change to be held in Rawalakot (AJK). Titles were: Effect of GnRH and bull exposure on conception rate after

estrus synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone in buffaloes during low breeding season

Effect of intensity of bio stimulation on ovarian and adrenal activity in postpartum Nili-Ravi buffaloes.

Characteristics of peri-urban dairy production system around

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Islamabad

Three ARGP scientists received certificates of Research Productivity Awards at a ceremony held at NARC on 22 Oct 2014.

Evaluation of advance wheat lines for agronomic traits in rainfed environment. Pakistan Journal Agricultural Sciences. 7(2) 79-88.

4 Training Imparted Organized farmer field days of 55 framer with stronger gender participation at Goragali titled “ roof top water harvesting system with drip irrigation to promote kitchen gardening

Two days training/ demonstration program on installation of drip in tunnels At Thatta has been scheduled

The AHP imparted three days training on PPR diagnosis, surveillance and control to veterinarians from Baluchistan. The Small Ruminant section of the APIP advised 6 farmers and two livestock equipment manufacturers on small ruminant production. Two students from PIASA-NARC are working in this program on comparative sensitivity of various cell lines used for isolation of FMD virus.

In DMT section of the APIP, two M.Phil students of the Hazara University are doing research on semi commercial yoghurt project for their theses research.

The AFP briefed and advised 7 fish farmers on different aspects of fish culture system.

Guided farmers regarding harvesting of rice varieties in transplanted and direct dry seeded rice cultivation system.

Trained 90 Women in Beekeeping at Grass-root level in four Villages i.e. Pattian, Mangay wali, Beeyakh and Jalay Wala, Soon Valley, Noshera District, Khoshab during October 23-27, 2014 in collaboration with Governance of Institution Networking International (GINI) Funded & Support by USAID.

Students from different universities (Quaid-e-Azam University, Per Maher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University are deputed for research paper/term and development activities in RRI.

Farmers for the KPK visited to RRI and demonstrated them for nursery establishment and pasture development based on the integrated approached on the communal lands.

Developed and sent budget break-up of two training courses of four-week duration for arranging training courses for the livestock and agriculture extension workers of Satpara Development Project, Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Skardu.

Interacted with the Project Incharge, Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) Project, Peshawar for arranging trainings on Mushroom Cultivation, Kitchen Gardening, Fish Farming and Livestock Diseases & Management.

(central secretariat) - ministry of national food security ... monthly progress report... ·...

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