Improving water productivity within the rice ecosystem is inevitable for sustainable rice manufacturing and boosting rice exports of Pakistan from the current $2 billion to $5 billion, mentioned Pakistan Basmati Heritage Association (PBHA) Director Sheikh Adnan Aslam.
He was talking at the Khushal Kissan seminar arranged via the association for the promotion and preservation of basmati rice heritage of Pakistan.
Citing that PBHA was once aimed toward mitigating demanding situations to Basmati rice production, he lamented that Pakistan faced a looming water crisis and stressed the will for bettering water productivity in rice fields. He shared the PBHA’s action plan for the promotion and preservation of Basmati rice for export.
Punjab Seed Corporation Director Malik Imtiaz, who was once present in the seminar, steered farmers to make use of qualified seeds yearly which might served as a basis for increasing the yield and quality of Basmati rice. He preferred the initiative of PBHA for offering healthy and certified seeds at subsidised rates to the farmers.
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan former chairman Chaudhry Masood Iqbal emphasised that the government must introduce new basmati types for ensuring rice productivity and pest resistance. Praising PBHA’s mission, he termed it the ‘ray of light’ for the rice sector in Pakistan.
PBHA Coordinator Imran Sheikh elaborated the PBHA’s venture and steered Basmati rice farmers to adopt international rice standards of the Sustainable Rice Platform convened by the International Rice Research Institute for promoting resource efficiency and sustainability through making sure meals safety.
The government must introduce new basmati types for ensuring rice productivity and pest resistance. Praising PBHA’s mission, he termed it the ‘ray of light’ for the rice sector in Pakistan.
Chaudhry Masood Iqbal
Fauji Fertiliser Senior Manager and Head of Advisory Services Rao Muhammad Tariq shared his perspectives about balanced use of fertilisers and the significance of potash and micronutrients in boosting rice productiveness, high quality and profitability.
Engro Fertilisers Manager North Naeem Farukh emphasied the balanced use of fertilisers through 4R Principles (right sort, proper dose, right position and right time).
On-Farm Water Management Deputy Director Tariq Maqbool briefed the members regarding dwindling water resources of Pakistan and underlined the importance of precision land levelling for improving water potency, yield and income.
Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku Research Officer and Weed Scientist Dr Tahir Hussain Awan shared his revel in of direct seeding and presented a suite of new era for weed control.
