Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) have joined forces to launch a collaborative endeavor aimed at enhancing seed potato production in Pakistan through the utilization of advanced aeroponics technology. This initiative includes the establishment of a seed potato complex to produce virus-free potatoes and elevate local crop yields.
The Director-General of Rural Development Administration of South Korea lauded the seed potato facility in Pakistan as a leading center among the 23 global centers, emphasizing its significance in the realm of agricultural innovation.
South Korean Ambassador Park Ki Jun highlighted the bilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly underscoring the joint seed potato production project. Plans were unveiled to expand the project on a larger scale, with several other collaborative projects on the horizon.
Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain commended the advancements made by researchers from KOPIA and PARC, reaffirming the government’s dedication to modernizing the agricultural sector through cutting-edge technologies and innovations. He stressed the importance of robust research practices and encouraged young researchers to contribute to national food security, acknowledging the continuous support from Korea in terms of financial and technical assistance.
The collaboration between KOPIA and PARC aims to revolutionize seed potato production in Pakistan by enhancing efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, introducing on-farm processing, boosting human capital, and creating significant employment opportunities.
An International Symposium on Seed Potato Production, Certification, and Supply System was held in Islamabad during the launch of the seed potato project. The symposium aimed to promote self-sufficiency in seed potato production through the demonstration of advanced Aeroponic technology and seed certification mechanisms. By bringing together researchers, industry experts, and stakeholders, the event facilitated the exploration of innovative approaches to enhance seed potato quality and output.
PARC Chairman Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Ali expressed gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its financial and technical support to Pakistan’s agricultural sector. He emphasized the importance of developing aeroponic potato seeds and highlighted the collaborative efforts of PARC and KOPIA in localizing seed potato production through advanced aeroponic technology.
Dr. Ali also announced upcoming projects totaling over $8 million related to livestock breed improvement and customized farm machinery for small farmers, set to commence in 2025. These cutting-edge technologies are poised to not only meet local seed potato consumption needs but also reduce the heavy import bill, contributing to the country’s agricultural sustainability and self-sufficiency.
