Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting to discuss reforms in Pakistan’s agricultural research system.
The meeting, held with Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, focused on modernizing research institutions and improving coordination to boost productivity, food security, and agricultural exports.
Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that Pakistan’s research system required urgent restructuring to meet international standards. He noted that overlapping responsibilities between federal and provincial bodies had caused inefficiencies. Many institutions were still operating in isolation.
He stressed the need to move beyond siloed research, adopting cross-disciplinary approaches for practical and commercially viable outcomes. The minister highlighted that technology transfer and commercialization must be faster, as innovations such as vaccines historically took years to reach the market.
Dr Andrabi said the quality and quantity of human resources in the research system had declined over time. He added that national research programs must align closely with food security goals and export targets.
Officials also discussed the launch of the Digital NARIS Platform, a central repository for agricultural research data. The platform will enable researchers and institutions to share information and collaborate more effectively.
A Scientific Advisory Committee under the PARC board was announced. It will meet quarterly to review scientific priorities and measure research performance. Half of the committee will consist of international experts, including specialists from CAAS and other leading institutions.
The minister noted that the reforms aim to make Pakistan’s research system impact-focused rather than budget-driven. Success will be measured by productivity, technology adoption, commercialization, and export growth.
Plans include establishing Centers of Excellence in climate-resilient crops, livestock improvement, AI and precision agriculture, food processing, and sustainable land, water, and energy management. These centers are designed to promote innovation, accelerate commercialization, and position Pakistan as a regional leader in agricultural science.
Concluding the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain said the reforms will transform Pakistan’s agricultural research system into a globally competitive network, delivering practical solutions for farmers and strengthening national food security.
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