by Table of Contents
- Background of PARC
- Key Issues & Outdated Systems
- 2.1 Underfunding and Project Freeze
- 2.2 Outdated Infrastructure & Equipment
- 2.3 Weak Commercialisation & Industry Linkages
- 2.4 Talent Drain & Low Incentives
- 2.5 Misalignment with Farmer Needs
- China’s Role in the Reforms
- Institutional & Structural Weaknesses
- Recommendations and Importance of Reforms
- Conclusion
1. Background of PARC
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is the federal body responsible for coordinating agricultural research across Pakistan. Established in 1981, it oversees multiple research institutes, including the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). Its role includes promoting innovation in agriculture, improving crop yields, enhancing food security, and supporting rural farmers.
Despite its importance, PARC has faced criticism for outdated systems, inefficient practices, and lack of innovation. Recent inspections, including collaborations with Chinese experts, highlighted major structural and operational challenges that need urgent reform.
2. Key Issues & Outdated Systems
2.1 Underfunding and Project Freeze
PARC has suffered from underfunding, resulting in a freeze on new projects. Many planned research initiatives were suspended due to financial constraints. This lack of investment has slowed progress and left several research programs incomplete.
ALSO READ
State Bank Injects Record Rs. 12 Trillion to Power Economic Stability in 2025
2.2 Outdated Infrastructure & Equipment
Chinese experts observed that PARC’s laboratories, field stations, and testing equipment are outdated. Many machines and tools have not been updated for decades, making modern research difficult. This limits the ability to develop climate-resilient crops or modern farming techniques.
2.3 Weak Commercialisation & Industry Linkages
PARC struggles to translate research into practical solutions for farmers. There are weak connections with the private sector, limited technology transfer, and few incentives for scientists to commercialize their work. As a result, research outputs often do not reach the end-users or the market.
2.4 Talent Drain & Low Incentives
Many talented researchers leave PARC due to low pay, limited career growth, and minimal rewards for innovation. This talent drain hampers research quality and slows progress on critical agricultural challenges.
2.5 Misalignment with Farmer Needs
Research conducted by PARC is often not aligned with the practical needs of farmers. Many projects focus on theoretical advancements rather than immediate, actionable solutions that can increase productivity and efficiency at the farm level.
3. China’s Role in the Reforms
China has played a significant role in reviewing PARC’s systems. Experts from Chinese agricultural institutions provided guidance on restructuring, modernizing infrastructure, and improving research efficiency.
For more information about the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and its initiatives, you can visit the official PARC website.
Their recommendations include:
- Upgrading laboratories and field stations
- Introducing technology transfer units to connect research with industry
- Improving collaboration between scientists and private companies
- Aligning research programs with national food security and climate adaptation goals
The collaboration aims to modernize PARC, making it more efficient, impactful, and responsive to the needs of farmers and the agricultural industry.
4. Institutional & Structural Weaknesses
PARC faces several internal weaknesses:
- Outdated Legal Frameworks: Many policies governing research and seed development are decades old and do not support modern collaborations.
- Weak Accountability Systems: Research performance is not consistently measured or rewarded, leading to inefficiency.
- Fragmentation: Institutes work in silos with limited knowledge-sharing or collaboration.
- Under-utilised Private Sector: There is little interaction with agribusinesses, resulting in fewer commercial outcomes.
- Human Resource Challenges: Low incentives, lack of career progression, and poor support systems contribute to talent loss.
5. Recommendations and Importance of Reforms
ALSO READ
ZTBL Supports Small Farmers in Pakistan During U.S. Diplomat Visit
Recommendations:
- Modernize Infrastructure: Upgrade labs, research equipment, and field stations.
- Performance Metrics: Introduce measurable KPIs and reward innovative work.
- Strengthen Industry Linkages: Collaborate with private companies for commercialization.
- Technology Transfer Units: Establish regional hubs to bring research to farmers.
- Legal Reforms: Update outdated policies to support partnerships and innovation.
- Sustainable Funding: Ensure consistent financial support for ongoing projects.
Importance of Reform:
- Enhances food security by developing resilient crops.
- Promotes innovation in mechanization, irrigation, and post-harvest processes.
- Supports rural livelihoods through actionable research outputs.
- Prevents wastage of public funds on ineffective programs.
6. Conclusion
PARC, once a leading agricultural research body, faces significant challenges including outdated systems, poor infrastructure, and weak industry collaboration. China’s collaboration offers a roadmap for reform, aiming to modernize equipment, improve governance, and align research with farmers’ needs.
Timely reforms are crucial for Pakistan’s food security, agricultural sustainability, and rural prosperity. If implemented effectively, PARC can become a modern, efficient, and impactful institution, transforming agriculture and benefiting millions of farmers nationwide.
