Impacts of Synthetic Chemical Pesticides on Health

Pesticides are poisons and, unfortunately, they can harm more than just the “pests” at which they are targeted. They are toxic, and exposure to pesticides can not only cause a number of health effects, but is linked to a range of serious illnesses and diseases in humans, from respiratory problems to cancer.

Exposure

Exposure to pesticides can occur in many ways. Exposure can occur in agriculture, through the treatment of crops, plants and grain stores. It can occur in forestry, gardening, professional and domestic pest control and through the spraying and use of amenities e.g. our parks, pavements and playgrounds. Exposure can also occur through the treatment of wood with preservatives, the treatment of boat hulls with anti-fouling agents, and the treatment of livestock with anti-parasitic preparations, e.g. sheep dip etc. In addition, pesticide residues found on, and in, our food also puts us at risk.

Should you be concerned?

Acute toxicity

Pesticides can be acutely toxic. This means that they can cause harmful or lethal effects after one single episode of ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. The symptoms are evident shortly after exposure or can arise within 48 hours. They can present as:

• respiratory tract irritation, sore throat and/or cough
• allergic sensitization
• eye and skin irritation
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• headache, loss of consciousness
• extreme weakness, seizures and/or death

Long term (or chronic) toxicity

Pesticides can cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually following repeated or continuous exposure at low levels. Low doses don’t always cause immediate effects, but over time, they can cause very serious illnesses.

Long term pesticide exposure has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease; asthma; depression and anxiety; cancer, including leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Preventive Measure

Reduce the use of synthetic chemical pesticides

Grow and promote organic kitchen gardening in need of pesticide use organic or natural pesticides.

Source: pan-uk.org

Pesticides Cause Special Problems For Children

Pesticides can be found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. They are found in our soil and even in our breast milk. These pesticides are the only toxic substances released intentionally into our environment to kill living things: to kill weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), fungus (fungicides), rodents (rodenticides), and others. They are used almost everywhere — not only in agricultural fields, but also in homes, parks, schools, buildings, forests, and roads.

Since the publication of Rachel Carson’s landmark 1962 book Silent Spring, which reveals the horrifying impacts of pesticides like DDT, scientists are continually discovering new and disturbing ways that pesticides threaten our environment and our health. We now know that:

Pesticides Are Hazardous To Human Health causing reproductive and developmental effects, cancer, kidney and liver damage, endocrine disruption, etc. Exposure mainly occurs through the skin, inhalation, orally, or through the eyes.

Pesticides Cause Special Problems For Children whose bodies and developing organs are particularly vulnerable. Children take in pesticides in the womb, at home and daycare, and on schools and playgrounds. Using MRI technology, researchers found that even low levels exposure to the widely used insecticide chlorpyrifos in utero caused irreversible brain damage.

"Children Ages 6-11 Nationwide Have Significantly Higher Levels Of Pesticide Residues In Their Bodies Than All Other Age Categories"

Pesticides Are Particularly Dangerous For Farmers And Farmworkers.

People and families working on and living near industrial farms are some of the most at-risk populations. And they are some of the least protected workers.

Pesticides Can Contaminate Our Food, Harm Pollinators, And Threaten Our Ecosystems.

Pesticides, especially a group of pesticides called neonicitinoids (or neonics), are killing the pollinators we depend on to support our food systems: bees, butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, moths, other insects, and even lizards and small mammals.

The steps we can take to curb the risk to some extent;

1- Kitchen Gardening

2- Reduce use of synthetic chemicals at least in our home, lawns and schools.

3- Increase use of organics

Source: toxicsaction.org

AEP MOOCs - Agri. Education Pakistan Massive Open Online Courses Program

For FAQs and Enrollment Please Click on the Given Link;

AEP MOOCs

Newly appointed pro-vice-chancellor of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR)

Dr Sarwat Naz Mirza has been appointed pro-vice-chancellor of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR). It is the matter of immense pleasure to share the really good news for one our prestigious PMAS- Arid Agriculture University, RWP.

The appointment has been made by Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana in his capacity as the PMAS-AAUR chancellor, according to a notification issued by the Punjab Agriculture Department, varsity spokesperson informed on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in an iftar party, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad and syndicate members along with deans and directors congratulated Dr Mirza on his appointment as pro-vice chancellor.

The vice chancellor hoped that Dr Mirza will continue his efforts as he did earlier to take the university to new heights of academic excellence.

Dr Mirza who is also a senior faculty member has been serving as Chairman Department of Forestry and Range Management and performing duties as registrar of the university. Previously, he remained the dean of Faculty of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife for two terms.

Dr Mirza completed his PhD from the Utah State University USA in 1992 and spent over 30 years in forestry research and education. He is actively involved in research and has supervised about 20 postgraduate students and has more than 50 publications in national and international journals.

He has served as a member of the syndicate as well as remained an active member of its Academic Council, Board of Studies, Finance and Planning Committee, Board of Advance Studies and Research.

As was being his student during my M.Phil studies, I critically observed his personality as a student as well as a journalist. He is one of the great teachers and unmatchable kind personality. Dr Mirza a true hard working spirit to whom efforts made possible the recognition of the first Faculty of Forestry and Range Management in Pakistan. I personally hope for the University's bright future.

Congratulations to PMAS-Arid Agriculture University and many prayers and best wishes for the Man of Action Dr Sarwat N. Mirza. 

Reported By,

M. Safeer A. Jafrey

CEO, Agri. Education Pakistan

Honorary Deputy Editor

The Weekly Vet. News & Views 

CPEC has Increased Pressure on Our Local Producers

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not just a hot topic in print and electronic media but the term CPEC has also become a buzzword among the masses. However, the question is how to maximise benefits from the corridor and minimise negative externalities for Pakistan.

Mere desire or wish to achieve something is not enough. Rather, preparedness with required potential and proper planning based on rational and feasible pre-assessments is needed to achieve something in a productive way. The same logic applies to CPEC. We have developed an emotional attachment with CPEC — ignoring preparedness and materialisation and optimisation dimensions in the meanwhile.

DAWN’s report on CPEC long-term plan has opened a new chapter in debate on the project. It has increased curiosity about the reality of CPEC and its perceived importance, while arising many unpleasant questions. Even if the plan is considered a draft proposed by the Chinese government, the question remains how autonomous is Pakistan in ensuring revision of the plan in its favour? Secondly, have we developed a revised version of the plan? If yes, why has it not yet been made public? Thirdly, why is there a mismatch between the long-term plan reported by DAWN and information publically available on CPEC? This situation has further increased the deficit of trust between the general public and the government.

The LTP reported by DAWN has been developed by the China Development Bank and the National Development Reform Commission of China. It shows China’s intentions and vision about CPEC. The draft shows that the centre of gravity for CPEC is the agriculture sector. Thousands of acres of agricultural land will be leased to Chinese contractors for carrying out demonstration projects. Taking into consideration the rapidly growing agrarian needs of China, the country is spending  a huge amount on these items. Its spending on agrarian products approximately equals the total size of Pakistani exports as of 2016. Since agricultural products are a priority for China, CPEC’s focus on the agriculture sector makes sense from Chinese perspective. Investments in Pakistani agriculture sector will increase the size of our gross domestic product (GDP) but who gets to benefit the most from these investments will be more important than the mere increase in the size of the GDP. Meanwhile, if agriculture sector is the main priority then the CPEC’s image as a massive industrial and transport undertaking — involving power plants and highways — may need clarification from Pakistani side.

A second focus of China is on the textile sector — specifically on yarn and coarse cloth. DAWN report reveals that to develop the textiles and garments industry China may exploit Pakistani market for cheap raw materials but use surplus labour from its Kashgar region. China may also use our textile products to feed its developing industry in Xinjiang.

Nonetheless, the good news is that Federal Minister Mr. Ahsan Iqbal has affirmed that the plan reported by DAWN is just an initial draft which is yet to be finalised.

Some other important aspects of CPEC also need immediate focus. The free trade agreement with China has increased pressure on local producers because of China’s free trade agreements with other countries in the region. Thus, increasing competition in Chinese markets has decreased the size of gain for Pakistan from free trade with China. The government may help in increasing the size of gain from free trade by offering subsidies on credit and other inputs to competitive exporters as well as incentives to high-size exporters. A careful study of reasons resulting in low gain from free trade in Chinese markets may be further helpful in devising better policies.

Local industries — which need local raw material such as paper, paper board, rubber and some chemicals etc — should be protected because China is a major importer of these products as well. At the same time we need to increase the volume of these inputs for the survival and sustainability of local industry.

Under CPEC, China will get easy access to Central Asian and Gulf countries. After getting access to some Pakistan export markets ie UAE and Afghanistan, China may become international competitor for Pakistan especially in cotton and leather manufacturing sector. The demand for Chinese products in international market is already higher because of varieties of goods and low prices. Consequently, it may result in further marginalisation of Pakistani products. Before, it happens we need to understand the sensitivity of the situation to devise optimal policies. Pakistani exporters need to be ready to face the upcoming challenges. The government along with cotton and leather manufacturers and exporters need to devise some mechanism to face these challenges successfully.

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that we did not put enough energy to assess costs associated with CPEC on neutral and scientific grounds. Rather, we went ahead with the project on the basis of its hypothesised benefits only.

Source: Daily Times

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has Approved a $20 Million Loan to Help Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $20 million loan to help Pakistan’s Khushhali Microfinance Bank (KMBL) to expand access to credit for agriculture-related borrowers and small businesses.

“Agriculture and small business are critical sectors in Pakistan’s economy that play a significant role in job creation and poverty reduction,” said Ms. Christine Engstrom, Director of ADB’s Private Sector Financial Institutions Division.

“ADB’s assistance will help support KMBL’s goal to improve financial inclusion to these sectors through their extensive expertise and outreach to un-derserved populations.”

The ADB assistance will help KMBL to increase the provision of financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from 5,700 today to over 30,000 by 2020.

Women are expected to comprise up to 25% of loan recipients. A separate technical assistance program will support the establishment of a MSME training academy as well as investments in Khushhali Microfinance Bank’s “technology up gradation” program.

“ADB’s support will deepen the market penetration of KMBL into the rural economy and enhance access to small businesses vital to economic growth and prosperity, says Ghalib Nishtar, President of KMBL.

Access to finance in Pakistan is limited, with only 24% of the adult population having a bank account with a formal financial institution, while MSMEs face difficulty securing financing from the banking sector.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.

Established in 1966, ADB is celebrating 50 years of development partnership in the region. It is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.

Source: The Nation

UVAS in Solving Poultry Industry Issues

The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore on Monday shared with stakeholders the results of two research studies/projects conducted by its Business School and Center for Applied Policy Research in Livestock (CAPRIL) with the financial support of Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA).

Poultry farmers, industry representatives, faculty members and students attended the presentation. Kinnaird Collage Principal Ms. Rukhsana David was the Chief Guest on the occasion while UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, PPA Northern Zone Chairman Dr. Abdul Karim Bhatti, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences Business Management Prof. Dr. Nasim Ahmad among others were also present. Dr. Rana Muhammad Ayyub, chairman Department of Economics and Business Management, presented the results of the first project titled “Increasing dissatisfaction/consumer alienation among broiler meat consumers in Punjab.” He said the study found that consumers have many misconceptions about quality of broiler meat due to negative word of mouth by few individuals who are spreading it without any scientific base or logic. He said, “All these are just misconceptions and have no link with reality.”

Mr. Attiqur Rehaman, lecturer, presented the results of second project titled “Factors affecting price determination of broiler meat.” The study found that demand and supply is the main factor in price fluctuation while no role of giant companies and political forces was found in this matter. It was recommended that an awareness campaign at large should be run to reduce these misconceptions. Ms. Rukhsana David lauded the performance of UVAS in solving poultry industry issues and conducting market research projects to overcome misconception in the mind of general public about the poultry meat.

Source: Pakistan Observer

Pakistan Poultry Association, Kissan Ittehad, PBA Delegations Discuss Budget Proposals with Dar

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Monday, said that emphasized smooth supply of poultry meat during the holy month of Ramadan. The government will keep a close watch on poultry prices and the association must also extend its support to the government for a thorough price check for the benefit of the general public.

He also said that poultry sector had a significant contribution in the economy in terms of revenue generation and Government would facilitate this sector to the extent possible.

In separate meetings with delegations of Pakistan Poultry Association, Pakistan Kisan Ittehad and Pakistan Broadcasters Association here, the Finance Minister exchanged views with them on their budget proposals.

While having discussion with the Kisan Ittehad delegation, the Minister said that agriculture is the backbone of the national economy and a large chunk of the population is associated with it. Government fully realizes its significance for healthy GDP growth.

He said the Government has already given a number of incentives to the agriculture sector. Among others these include the provision of fertilizer on special subsidized rates which aims at boosting agricultural production.

The farmers community must make full use of this facility. The Minister said the government would give consideration to the proposals submitted by the delegation and give whatever relaxation is conveniently possible for the farmers.

Talking to PBA delegation Finance Minister discussed with budget proposals regarding taxation on electronic media and apprised him of certain issues that needed redressal.

Finance Minister said the proposals would be accorded due consideration in the upcoming budget and all possible facilitation would be extended to electronic media which along with print media, was playing a key role as a bridge between the government and the masses.

Source: Pakistan Observer

Government should Develop Supportive Policies for the Dairy Sector

Pakistan ranks as the fourth-highest milk producing nation in the world as dairy farming is one of the biggest industries in Pakistan with an estimated 42 million tonnes of milk production per year, having 11.30 percent share in the gross domestic products.

The country has approximately 63 million animals producing milk, and over eight million households involved in the trade. As such, the industry is providing employment to millions of Pakistanis but remains far below in exports of dairy products.

The government should develop supportive policies for the dairy sector which has the potential to lead the process of our economic revival. These views were expressed by Shakir Umar Gujjar President Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association while speaking the general body elections and oath taking ceremony for officials attended by a large number of representatives of the dairy and livestock companies belonging to dairy and cattle farmers sector.

"Dairy farmers have been selling fresh unpasteurized milk to wholesalers at the low price while input costs including feed expenses and prices of new animals have multiplied, but we fail to understand why the government is bent upon controlling the prices of fresh unpasteurized milk only".

It has no control over the prices of other commodities especially packaged milk.

Increase in the price of milk would help overcome shortage in milk production as it would encourage dairy farmers to invest in the business. Otherwise, he feared, dairy industry would completely collapse.

He pointed out that Bhains Colony in Karachi set up in 1960s and now houses between 350,000 and 400,000 animals has no proper road infrastructure and drainage system. Most animal waste end up the sea untreated. We believe that working together with the private sector, the government can play an important role in enabling the dairy industry to reach its maximum potential, said Shakir Umar Gujjar.

Rafiq Khan and Rafiq Khan has pointed out problems faced by the dairy and cattle farmers and suggested solutions for the core issues.

Pakistan dairy and livestock expo' will be held on February 10-12, 2018 in which large numbers of national and international stake holders are expected to participate.

They said with the right support, the situation can be reversed, making Pakistan an exporter of milk and dairy products, and a major player in the global dairy industry.

Our aim should be to economise milk production so that the poor farmers are benefited and to check milk adulteration so that public health is safeguarded.

Umar Ghauri Chairman The Consumer Eye Pakistan said that, milk is one of the least commercialised products as more than 95 percent of the produce is consumed unprocessed through informal marketing chains, no quality checks, no standardisation and no value addition.

Being highly perishable product with only four hours' shelf life at room temperature, non entry of milk in the formal processing channel causes inexcusable 20 percent wastage of produce.

He said the cure to the enervation of the dairy sector lies in a comprehensive remedy not only price palliatives but to increased productivity through development of high yielding breeds and reduction in wastage through improved produce management along the value chain.

The trend in farm-gate milk prices shows that dairy imports are not driving down the farm gate milk prices but merely bridging the supply demand gap, he added.

Source: Daily Times Pakistan

Online Certification Course in Principles of Sustainable Agriculture

COURSE DESCRIPTION

AEP MOOCs online certification course in “Principles of Sustainable Agriculture” is an engaging course and it is packed with the knowledge to help you to understand the basics concepts of the subject. This online course is ideal for those, who want to get the basic and conceptual knowledge about the subject. This course comprises the seven modules;

1   -Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

2   -Definition of Sustainable Agriculture

3   -Basic Elements of Sustainable Agriculture

4   -Steps to Sustainable Agriculture

5   -Indicators of Sustainable Agriculture

6   -Approaches of Sustainable Agriculture

7   -Summary & Frequently Asked Questions

COURSE DETAILS

Course Title:      Principles of Sustainable Agriculture

Session:               03

Course Type:     Short Course

Course Publisher:           AEP MOOCs

Enrollment Charges:      PKR 600/- only

Dues Submission Procedure: It will be shared after filling the online enrollment form

Session Start:              7th Jun 2017    -      Session End: 13 Jun 2017

Content Origin:   Research Journals and Reliable Books

License:               Downloadable.

Fast Track Facility:           Available

Fast Track Course Duration (Avg Learner):   6-10 Hours (Fast Track)

Dues for Fast Track:        PKR 1000/- only

Examination Date:          17-18 Jun 2017

Video/Audio:    None

Audio Only:        None

Animation:         None

Assessments:    Yes        

Age appropriateness:    12+ Years

Minimum Grade/Class Level:    Middle Level

Certification Availability:             PDF

Note: Certificate will be issued jointly by Agri. Education Pakistan & Agri. Tourism Development Corporation Pakistan

Online Enrollment Form

Please Click Here For Online Enrollment

Online Certification Course, Principles of Sustainable Agriculture (Session 3) Online Enrollment Form Available!

AEP MOOCs online certification course in “Principles of Sustainable Agriculture” is an engaging course and it is packed with the knowledge to help you to understand the basics concepts of the subject. This online course is ideal for those, who want to get the basic and conceptual knowledge about the subject. 

Please Click Here For Online Enrollment

Online Certification Course - Basics of Soil Science (AEP MOOCs)

Agri. Education Pakistan is nonreligious, nonpolitical and independent organization working since August 2011. The mission of the organization is “to educate the masses in the country regarding agricultural sciences and environmental conservation”. Our objective is to offer sustainability in happiness, health and economy by producing a new breed of Agripreneurs.

Agri. Education Pakistan is always being a trendsetter. The organization is the pioneer of many projects in the country (Visit; AEP). The mode of education is now changing over the globe in the term of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Pakistan is an agricultural country and as per the agenda of the organization to serve the youth and small farmers, Agri. Education Pakistan is going to get the honor to be the pioneer of MOOCs regarding agriculture and allied fields. The course content will be provided to students via email and the certificates will be awarded on securing 70% marks in the online exam. The online courses are the most efficient way of learning in the present world and with the support of stakeholders, we can better serve our community.

________________________________________________________________________

Course Details:

Course Title: Basics of Soil Science

Session: 4

Language: English

Course Publisher: AEP MOOCs

Enrollment Charges: PKR 500/- only

Dues Submission: information share after email confirmation

Session Start: 1st June 2017 - Session End: 9th June 2017

Content Origin: Research Journals and Reliable Books

License: Downloadable.

Release Date: 5 July 2016 

Course Duration (Avg Learner): 6-10 Hours (Fast Track Fee PKR 1000/-)

Video/Audio: None

Audio Only: None

Animation: None

Assessments: Yes 

Age appropriateness: 12+ Years

Minimum Grade/Class Level: Middle Level

Certification Availability: PDF

________________________________________________________________________

COURSE DESCRIPTION

AEP’s online certification course in “Basics of Soil Science” is an engaging course and it is packed with the knowledge to help you to understand the basics concepts of soil science. This online course is ideal for those, who want to get the basic and conceptual knowledge about the subject. This course will comprise the four modules;

• What is Soil?

• Soil Physical Properties

• Soil Chemical Properties

• Soil Biological Properties

CERTIFICATION

To qualifies for your official Certificate or PDF, you must study and complete all modules and score 70% or more in each of the course assessments. A link to download your certificate will then email to you.
Note: Certificate will be issued jointly by Agri. Education Pakistan & Agri. Tourism Development Corporation Pakistan

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this online course, you will have an understanding of the following topics;

• Introduction to soil

• Soil Development and Horizons

• Soil Texture

• Soil Colloids

• Soil Structure

• Soil Porosity 

• Water and Plant Relations

• Exchange Capacity

• Soil pH

• Salt-Affected Soils

• Calcareous Soils

• Soil Biota

• Soil Flora

• Soil Fauna

• Soil Microorganisms

For online enrollment for this course, please visit the link; Basics of Soil Science (Session-4)

Online Certification Course, Basics of Soil Science (Session-4) Online Enrollment Form is Available!

Dear All,

We are pleased to announce that the online enrollment link for the course "Basics of Soil Science (Session-4)" is now available. The last date for online enrollment is 1st June 2017 at 12:00 p.m. Please fill the given form for the further process. Please, follow the given link; 

Click Here! Online Enrollment Form

Australia Grants $15M to Help Improve Groundwater Management in Pakistan

The Australian government has helped launched an AUD$15 million Water Programme to help the Pakistan Government’s efforts in developing a National Water Commission and National Water Policy.

Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson said that “Australia has more than one thousand companies which can provide advice and technologies in this critical sector.”

Three projects to improve groundwater management in agriculture, implemented by the Australian Government’s Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), will also be included in the programme.

On its website, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said: “Pakistan’s access to a strong and healthy workforce is affected by high malnutrition rates, poor water and sanitation, and maternal and child health issues.”

Between 2015-2016, Australia sent $55.8 million in foreign aid to Pakistan although this decreased to $47 million between 2016-2017.

Also included in the Water Programme is the Australian Government’s 12-year Indus Sustainable Development Investment Portfolio (SDIP), which was mapping the Indus Basin to establish current and future needs.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Council for Water Research in Water (PCRWR), said: “The Australian Water Program for Pakistan is distinctive in its nature as it is covering three major aspects in water resources management; enhance farmer’s water management skills by developing new knowledge dissemination methods; participatory irrigation management; and improving groundwater management through capacity building of farmers and researchers.”

As well as PCRWR and ACIAR, organisations from both countries will work together in the programme, including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), together with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).

Source: Water World

Sudden Price Hike Coincides with PPA’s Costly Media Drive

Chicken prices have risen to Rs350 a kilogram and that of boneless meat to Rs600 per kg. Retailers used to maintain a difference of at least Rs100 per kg in prices of live bird and its meat prices, but now they have stopped following the practice due to surging demand.

Two kinds of retail rates prevail in the market. Some retailers, who were previously selling live bird for Rs190 and meat for Rs290 per kg, have raised prices to Rs200 and Rs300-320, respectively. The prices of boneless meat have increased to Rs500-520 and that of golden meat to Rs400-420 per kg.

However, another category of retailers claiming high quality have increased rates of live bird to Rs210-220 per kg from Rs200, and that of boneless meat and golden meat to Rs580-600 and Rs480 per kg.

Market sources said that by raising prices, people belonging to the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) were recovering the cost incurred on a print media campaign that was run in the middle of February to reject allegations leveled by the All Pakistan Solvent Extractors’ Association (APSEA) that soya bean meal imported from India and other countries might not be halal. 

Source: Dawn

Pakistan to export hybrid rice seed to Philippines

Pakistan has struck an unprecedented deal with Philippines for the export of hybrid rice seed to the Southeast Asian nation, an industry official said on Thursday.

  “Philippines has decided to import hybrid rice seed from Pakistan because the crop raised form this variety is less labor intensive compared to Irri,  which is currently being cultivated in the Southeast Asian country,” Shahrukh Malik, executive at Guard Agricultural Research & Services told journalists in a media briefing.

“For the first time in the history of the country, domestically developed hybrid seed will be traded to a foreign country. Philippines needs the seed for 2018 crop and we have already increased the production area to 900 acres to meet the demand.”

He informed the journalists that Philippines have over 137,000 varieties of Irri but being a labor intensive crop, the archipelago in the southwestern Pacific is looking for a hybrid variety. “The climate in which hybrid rice seeds are bred in Sindh is similar to that of Philippines. Their experts assayed the procedure of seed production thoroughly at our farms before cutting a deal with us,” Malik disclosed.

The Guard rice research executive observed the export of hybrid rice seed will be a milestone in the country’s rice sector and will open new opportunities in the international market apart from giving local research and development a fresh impetus.

“We have also developed a basmati hybrid seed. The field trials are already underway. It’s expected to be commercially available by 2018,” he said.  Replying to a question, he said unfortunately lack of public private sector partnership is hindering the progress of seed development in Pakistan.

“Public sector has its own inherited problems, while the private sector conducts research with commercial result-oriented focus. Thus the pace of private sector is fast compared to the public,” Malik said.

He continued that there’s a yawning trust deficit between the public and private sector researchers and it needs to end through coordinative initiatives. “Due to this deficit, the authorities take too long to green-signal a newly developed seed for commercial launch, hurting private sector growth,” he asserted.

Moving forward, he explained that at least 45 companies are importing hybrid seeds, including the top five firms of the world, but none of them is producing hybrid seeds in Pakistan, which is an obstacle in the transfer of technology to the country.

“The government shall bind those companies to produce at least 20 percent of the total quantity of imported seeds in Pakistan,” he suggested adding it will revolutionise the seed development and agriculture sector.

Summarizing the growth of the hybrid rice in Pakistan, Malik told the media that during 2008-09, area under Irri cultivation was 560,000 hectares but reduced to 423,000 hectares in 2014-15, while area under hybrid cultivation was only 84000 hectares, which increased to 302000 hectares in 2014-15.

“Similarly, in 2008-09, Irri production was recorded at 19,49,000 tons but it decreased to 11,61,000 tons in 2014-15, while hybrid rice production, which stood at 4,54,000 tons in 2008-09, jumped to 14,16,000 tons during 2014-15,” he added.

Continuing his talk, he said the aforementioned numbers also reflected in the exports as total quantity of the basmati rice sold overseas stood at 11,37,943 tons in 2010-11 but reduced to 676630 in 2014-15, while non-basmati export, which was logged at 25,63,664 in 2010-11, increased to 3054680 tons in 2014-15.

“A substantial increase in hybrid production and exports of non-basmati rice export is encouraging for the sector,” Malik said.

Source: The News

Nestle Pakistan will Provide Technical Support for Improving Quality and Quantity of Mangoes to the Growers

Punjab Agriculture Department has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Nestle Pakistan for agricultural sustainability including Chaunsa Mango sector and Water Resource Management. For the Chaunsa project Nestle Pakistan shall take on board Mango Research Institute Multan as a research partner, said a spokesman of the provincial agriculture department here on Tuesday.

By virtue of these MoUs, Nestle Pakistan will provide technical support for improving quality and quantity of Mangoes to the growers. With the latest research in Mango sector, farm practices to be introduced will enable growers to work in a best way according to the latest production techniques.

Under another MoU, in water resource management project, water Management wing of Agriculture Department will partner with Nestle Pakistan for a program which offer 60 percent subsidy to farmers who employee high efficiency irrigating system (Drip Irrigation) and other Water conservation techniques, technology and practices. Nestle will also bear the 30 percent share that the farmer owes to the government.

The pilot project will spread over 10 acres, located at Sheikhupura District. Commenting on the collaboration, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Muhammad Mehmood said that more than 90 percent of water usage is for agriculture and in order to successfully tackle the prevailing water shortage, we need to encourage farmers to become mindful of how they use water. He further said that Chaunsa is one of the best variety of Mango with the potential for export but again, we need to teach farmers how to improve quantity and quality of yield, he added.

Source: Business Recorder

Increase in Export of Pakistani Mushroom But Still Need For Improvement

Pakistan exported around 201,000 kilograms (kg) of mushroom with a total export price of $12.930 million in 2016. Not only was the increase in the value of mushroom exports phenomenal but mushroom exports also contributed over 25 percent to the overall vegetables exports of over $101 million the same year.

In Pakistan, mushrooms are grown in farm houses, including but not limited to state owned national logistic cell. Farm production contributes around 1 percent to overall mushroom exports, while the rest of it comes from natural production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The global mushroom production according to Food and Agriculture Organization's statistics was estimated at 4.99 million tons in 2016 with major producers being China with 60 percent production, followed by United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Ireland, Indonesia and India. Talking to the Daily Times, Akhtar Usmani, Chairman Mann-O-Salva Pakistan Private Limited who are the pioneers for the cultivation of mushroom commercially in Pakistan, are not only meeting the demand of the local market, but also earn foreign exchange by selling fresh and dehydrated mushroom to Europe and America. The export market rate while in the Canadian stores was $14 for a kilogram against our cost of $4.

There is a huge export market around the world, some private sector companies export thousands of kilograms, grown in Swat at a lurative price of over $1,000 for a kg.

With absolutely 100 percent export for the same we got our product quality approval from a German firm, and got export permission from the US. It occurred to us on holidays while having pizza for lunch with an extra topping of mushroom. We established this company in 1985 on 16 acres of land allotted by the Government of Sindh in Korangi Industrial Area. National Development Finance Corporation not only agreed for a loan but it was the first time the bank participated as equity partners in an agribusiness.

Mateen Siddiqui, Chairman of Fruits, Vegetables Processors and Exporters Association said mushroom export helped boost overall vegetables exports.

Mushrooms are playing a significant role in the national economics by earning substantial foreign exchange from exports.

In Punjab and Sindh it is found after the monsoon rains, while in the valleys of Balochistan it is found to grow in large numbers in March and April. Local people refer to it as "khamiri". They not only do they eat it, but sell it in the small villages and vegetable markets. A part of the crop is dried and sent to large towns. Edible mushroom once called 'Food of God' is still treated as a garnish or delicacy the world over due to its delicious taste and nourishment value. It is rich in proteins and has most of the essential amino acids with about 90 percent digestive co-efficient. In addition to being low in calories and an ideal food for diabetics, heart and cancer patients. The umbrella-shaped vegetation grows under the trunk of a tree, among sparse vegetation, and sprinkled in grasslands after the rains. However, the umbrella-shaped fungus with a little stalk tickles the taste-buds of millions around the world.

Source: Daily Times