Umarkot, 03rd February, 2022; 23rd meeting of the Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) was held today under the Chairmanship of Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan, MNA at 11:00 A.M. in Committee Room of AZRC, Umarkot.

The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran then the Committee decided to proceed with the agenda.

The Committee was briefed by the Chairman, PARC about the performance of the AZRC, Umarkot Sindh. During briefing it was informed to the Committee that the department is working with its utmost zeal to obtain the objectives and purposes for which it was created. Hon. Chairman shared with the Committee that the said institute was created in 2018, on the basis of idea created by the then Standing Committee and he has the honor to be the part of that Committee. He shared his pleasure with the Committee to see the idea in reality. The Committee appreciated the efforts and dedication of the staff for upbringing the AZRC. The Committee extended its good wishes for further growth and prosperity of the AZRC.

The Committee visited the field areas under control of the AZRC. The Committee was briefed about the new variety of various plants which can be grown even in drought are being introduced by the department keeping in view scarcity of water in the area. It was also informed to the Committee that the department is Promoting the cultivation of Moringa, Tamarind (IMLI) and Jujube (BAER) in the area. The Committee also visited the plantation and nursery under control of the AZRC. The Committee appreciated the efforts and performance of the AZRC and recommended that it should promote the plantation and growth of Moringa and Tamarind (IMLI) Keeping in view the demand in international market.
The Committee visited the Chili growing area i.e. Kunri Umarkot, visited the whole sale Chili market of Kunri. The Committee was also heard the complaints of the Chili Association. During the briefing Association Complained about the degradation and reduction of production of Chili due to introduction of Hybrid variety of seeds. Hon. Chairman on telephonic call directed the DG DPP to immediately arrange a meeting with the representatives of the association for redressal of their grievances and submit report in writing before the Committee within fortnight. The representatives of the Association also submitted before the Committee for Legislation/enactment of the law for protection of grower’s rights. The Committee directed the representatives to share their idea in writing with the Committee so that the Committee to proceed further in the matter.

Hon. Members/MNAs/Movers Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal, Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi, Mian Muhammad Shafiq, Mr. Kamal Uddin, Syed Javid Ali Shah Jillani, Joint Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Chairman PARC,DG PARC, along with their staff attended the meeting.