Pakistan Allocates Lowest Percentage of Agricultural GDP to R&D in South Asia
Pakistan has the lowest allocation for agriculture Research and Development (R&D) among South Asian Nations, allocating just 0.12 percent of its Agricultural GDP.
With the lowest spending among the SAARC countries, Islamabad also facing challenges in securing international grants for this sector, noted the Senate Standing Committee on Food Security and Research on Wednesday.
The panel conducted an on-site visit to the National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) on to assess its operations and performance. The committee members toured various scientific laboratories and received briefings from NARC chairman, who detailed the labs’ functionality and the processes involved in preserving and cultivating different plant types before harvest.
The committee also noted the need for an extension of NARC’s land lease by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which has not been renewed since 2005, hindering research infrastructure development.
The Chairman also provided insights into the historical evolution of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), its establishment as the National Food Security and Research Division, and its collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to enhance agricultural productivity.
Committee members were briefed on the governance structure of the NARC and financial details. The budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 was Rs6.575 billion, with Rs1.062 billion allocated for operational expenses and Rs5.512 billion for establishment costs. PARC/NARC employs 2,135 staff members, including 544 scientists and 435 para-scientific staff.
The committee reviewed research achievements, including advancements in plant genetics and the development of new varieties and hybrids.
Financial updates since 2013 highlighted a research budget increase to Rs300 million in 2023-24, an educational stipend increase to Rs1.135 million, and a direct pension credit system raised to Rs7 million for 44 widows. Total liabilities cleared amounted to Rs989 million.
