Faisalabad: Director General Agriculture (Farms & Training) Punjab, Dr. Ishtiaq Hassan, has emphasized that transforming agricultural research into practical solutions for farmers is essential to raising productivity and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chairing a high-level meeting at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), he approved 90 research experiments and finalized the Annual Kharif Crops Research Program 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening field-level agricultural innovation.
Research Must Reach Farmers, Not Stay in Labs
Addressing agricultural scientists and officials, Dr. Hassan stressed that research must be farmer-friendly and aligned with real-world challenges, particularly climate change. He noted that the central aim of every research initiative should be to increase per-acre yield, which directly impacts farmer income and national food security.
He highlighted that adaptive research plays a critical role in bridging the gap between laboratories and farms. According to him, scientific findings should translate into practical recommendations that farmers can apply easily and promptly.
90 Experiments for Kharif 2026 Season
The DG informed participants that ninety experiments will be conducted during the Kharif 2026 season. These trials will evaluate:
- New crop technologies
- Improved seed varieties
- Production strategies under local agro-climatic conditions
The outcomes will provide evidence-based guidance to growers, helping them adopt more efficient and resilient farming practices.
Detailed Briefings by Experts
Earlier, Research Officer Dr. Javed Iqbal presented a comprehensive briefing on the annual program’s scope, experimental design, and expected results. Adaptive research scientists also shared zone-wise proposals, focusing on region-specific crop challenges and opportunities.
Senior Officials in Attendance
The meeting brought together key agricultural leadership, including:
- Additional DG Crop Reporting Service Faisalabad Ejaz Ahmad
- Additional DG Agriculture (Pest Warning) Faisalabad Ahmad Naveed Hassan
- Chief Scientist Ayub Research Dr. Qurban Ali
- Chief Scientist Pulses Dr. Khalid Hussain
- Director Agricultural Information Dr. Asif Ali
- Director Agricultural Engineering Engr. Maqsood Ahmad
- Prof. Dr. Ejaz Ashraf from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Other senior scientists and officials also participated.
Unanimous Approval of Research Program
At the conclusion of the session, participants unanimously approved the Kharif 2026 Research Program, reaffirming the province’s commitment to science-based agriculture and farmer-focused innovation.