Agricultural researchers and experts have agreed to work together on commercial soybean production in Pakistan, aiming to improve seed quality, build out the crop’s value chain and lessen the country’s dependence on imported soy.
The talks were held at a meeting in Faisalabad. Those present included Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) chief executive Dr Abid Mahmood, Director General Research Punjab at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman, representatives of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), and a team of soybean scientists. A press release summarised the outcomes.
Research plans and overseas lessons
Soybean scientists briefed the group on future research and development plans, proposed strategies, and the main findings from their recent visit to Australia. The meeting also covered openings for international cooperation, research partnerships, technology transfer, and ways to promote value-added soybean products inside Pakistan.
Participants stressed that better research, reliable seed supply and closer ties between research bodies, farmers and industry would be needed if commercial cultivation is to expand and create more business opportunities along the chain.
New storage and field visits
During the visit, newly set-up seed storage facilities on the AARI campus were inaugurated. Officials said the stores are meant to improve seed preservation and to support soybean research, development and eventual commercial activity.
Those attending also toured soybean fields to check crop development and ongoing research work. The experts restated their commitment to stronger cooperation among institutions, growers and industry so that domestic production can rise and Pakistan’s agricultural value chain can be reinforced.
What officials want next
The joint strategy centres on promoting commercial cultivation, raising seed quality and developing processing and marketing links for soybean. Organisers framed the effort as a way to cut import dependence while giving local agriculture a firmer footing in a crop that Pakistan still largely buys from abroad.
No production targets, timelines or funding figures were announced at the meeting. Progress will depend on how far research institutions, farmers and industry move from discussion to practical seed supply, storage use and commercial planting.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ab soybean zyada tar bahar se mangwata hai. Faisalabad mein mahireen ne mil kar plan banaya ke yahan soyabean ki fasal barhao, behtar beej dein aur storage behtar ho. AARI mein naye seed stores bhi khol diye gaye. Agar ye kaam aage barhe to mulk ko import kam karne aur kisanon ko naye mauqe milne ka faida ho sakta hai.
