ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Wednesday, inaugurated a 10-acre regenerative-organic agriculture demonstration block at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ profitability.
The initiative, led by Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi and Director General NARC Dr. Muhammad Mansoor, aims to demonstrate climate-smart, resource-efficient and low-cost farming technologies to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ profitability.
Tanveer Hussain appreciated the performance and dedication of PARC scientists and emphasized the importance of promoting innovative, climate-smart and resource-efficient agricultural practices to address emerging challenges in the agriculture sector.
The demonstration block comprises four 2.5-acre plots dedicated to cereals, vegetables, oilseeds and legumes, supported by a central fermenter supplying biologically produced agricultural inputs.
Dr. Muhammad Mansoor briefed on the potential of regenerative farming to restore soil health, conserve water, improve crop vitality and promote sustainable food production. The minister also viewed a precision planter developed by NARC’s Agricultural Engineering Institute.
Regenerative agriculture promotes practices such as minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, crop rotation, organic amendments and microbial inputs to improve soil fertility, enhance water retention and gradually reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
The approach also offers potential environmental benefits through increased soil carbon storage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. With credible measurement and verification systems, improved soil carbon levels could create opportunities for farmers to participate in emerging carbon markets, alongside potential savings in production costs.
The demonstration block will serve as a living laboratory and training facility for scientists, extension workers and farmers. Research will assess crop yields, input savings, soil health and greenhouse gas balances to evaluate the model’s effectiveness under local conditions.
The initiative is expected to generate evidence for scaling up climate-resilient, resource-efficient agricultural practices across Pakistan, supporting food security, environmental sustainability and improved farm income.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
