No.F.1-3/2013-Dir(Tech)-CS Monthly...No.F.1-3/2013-Dir(Tech)-CS Pakistan Agricultural Research...

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No.F.1-3/2013-Dir(Tech)-CS

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (Central Secretariat)

******** 20th October 2014

Subject: Monthly Major Activity Report of PARC for September 2014

Chairman’s Activities

On the invitation of The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Australia, Chairman PARC participated in the Policy Advisory Council (PAC) meeting in Australia in the first week of September, 2014.

Meeting with Dr. Jun Acedo, Post Harvest Specialist from AVRDC at PARC.

Meeting with Mr. Luise Ferguson, Extension Specialist, UC Davis.

Presentation to the Secretary, MNFS&R on new projects at PARC-HQ.

Participated in the First National Drum Wheat Workshop at AARI.

Meeting with H.E. Redolfo J. Sarvia, Ambassador of Argentina in Pakistan.

National Steering Committee meeting to discuss Draft Bill on Establishment of National Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Authority at MNFS&R.

Plant Sciences Division

Sr.# Official Task/ Activity

Status of the task

1 Research & Development

Southern-zone Agricultural Research Centre (SARC), Karachi

Epidemiological studies of stem rust (Puccinia graminis): Analyzed the data on epidemiology of wheat stem rust in Sindh region for the effectiveness of known Sr genes in different agro-ecological zones revealed following virulence patterns during crop season 2012-13.

Farmer field Kunri: The results of 9th stem rust trap nursery carrying isogenic lines planted at farmer field Kunri revealed that only Sr6&, Sr9a wereModerately Susceptible to Susceptible (MSS) &Sr7b showed Moderately Susceptible (MS) reaction under natural conditions.

Farmer field Talhar Distt. Badin: The results of 9th stem rust trap nursery carrying isogenic lines planted at farmer field Talhar revealed that only Sr7b and Sr9a showed Moderately Susceptible (MS) reaction against stem rust.

Insect Pests Infestation: The data recorded on insect pest infestation from all Sugarcane varietal development trials revealed the following infestation % age. - Top borer: 5.7, 5.7, 5.4, 4.9, 7.0 & 4.9 respectively. - Stem borer: 5.7, 5.2, 5.0, 5.4, 6.2 and 5.1 respectively. - Root borer: 4.0, 2.7, 2.4, 2.8, 3.9 & 2.3 respectively.

Banana Tissue Culture: Banana varieties i.e. B-10, Pisang & W-11 were propagated and 2882 shoots were under multiplication/sub-culturing, 3565 plants were under rooting & 4230 were under

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hardening process.

Sugarcane Tissue Culture: Sugarcane varieties, YT-53, YT-55 & Thatta 300 were multiplied through tissue culture technique and 600 shoots were under multiplication/sub-culturing, 300 plants were under rooting and 1500 plants were under hardening stage.

Preparation of Laboratory for Accreditation to PNAC: Different laboratories of the institute were involved in the research activities to meet the requirements of PNAC for accreditation to ISO-17025. Application was submitted for accreditation.

Commercial Testing of Toxic Contaminants: A sum of 27 vegetable samples was analyzed for quantitative determination of pesticide residue through GAS Chromatography technique.

Participated in Proficiency Testing Scheme (BIPEA) and a sample of wheat grain were analyzed.

Nine wheat grain commercial samples were analyzed for quantitative determination of pesticide residues.

Vegetable oils as taste enhancer against Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus: Among different rodent control methods baiting was the most effective and commonly practiced method for control of rats. However, locally available vegetable oils were added in bait base (wheat flour + broken rice) in 3% & 5% (w/w) mixed with acute and anticoagulant rodenticides as an attractants.

National Sugar Crops & Tropical Horticulture Research Institute (NSTHRI), Thatta

Varietal Development Program/ Breeding Material: The data recorded on evaluation and selection of sugarcane genotypes is given as under:

Total 189 sugarcane (varieties) germplasm were maintained at the farm for flowering and fuzz collection studies.

Total 5562 Sugarcane seedlings (1817 seedlings from local crosses & 3745 seedlings from Chinese crosses) were maintained at NSTHRI, office research site.

Different evaluation trials of sugarcane varieties such as 1st , 2nd , 3rd& 4th cycle, preliminary yield trial, advanced varietal trial and NUVYT trials were visited and recorded the data on plant height ranging from 170 to 300 cm & brix level ranging from 15to 21% .

The data recorded in the plastic mulching evaluation trial on Triton sugarcane variety revealed an average cane height of 253.3 cm & 246.7 cm, with average brix contents of 19.5% and 19.1% in treatment and control plots, respectively.

White fly infestation was observed as less than 10% in different varieties sown in coordinated trials of sugarcane varieties: Yt-Th 53, Bp-Th 804, S-2006-SPSG-24, S-2005-CSSG, and S-2005-HOSG-31.

Hybrid Rice Seed Production Trial: The trial was carried out in coordination with Rice Research Program, NARC, Islamabad, under Pak-China Project, entitled “Development of Rice hybrids for different rice growing ecologies of Pakistan”. Out of male and female plants

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planted at Makli farm, CR-I and CR-II male plants of rice started 60% flowering. Infestation of leaf roller was also observed 5% in rice crop, where a pesticide Karate @ 2ml /liter of water was applied as a control measures.

National Tea & High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), Shinkiari, Mansehra

Managed 58 Kiwi plants brought from Nepal/HRI, NARC.

Managed the stool beds of apple (MM-106, pear (Quince) and Cherry (Colt).

Presented the proposed PSDP project titled“Integrated Source Management & Value Chain Development in High Value Horticulture and Live Stock System for the improvement livelihood improvement in rural areas of District Mansehra KPK” to Secretary NFS&R Islamabad, the Chairman PARC and other participants of the meeting.

PARC Research &Training Station (PRTS), Multan

Recorded 16.2% & 27.1% fruit fly infestation in cotton variety Bandesha (BS-52), treatment T2 (use of Chrysoperla carnea eggs cards) & T3 (Control) respectively. The infestation of Jassid was recorded as 1.2 % & 6.2% in T1 & T3 respectively. Whereas, in cotton accession No. 013, infestation of fruit fly was recorded 11.3%, 23.4% in T 2 and T3, respectively, while infestation of jassid was recorded as1.0 & 5.4% in T2 & T3, respectively.

Under the Collaborating project with IDPEP, NARC, Islamabad on fruit fly the activities were started at Multan, Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan. For the control of fruit fly 41 Methyl Eugenol Pheromone traps were installed in various orchards i.e Mango, Citurs, Jaman, Beri, Lychii, Pomegranate and vegetables at different locations of District Multan i.e Bosan road, University Premises, Bahawalpur road and Khanewal road.

Olive Promotion Project

GPS data of Olive orchards collected from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA and Baluchistan were uploaded on the olive website to benefit the viewers.

Technical Officer of the project visited olive farms at Punjab areas to get the current status and fruiting orchards.

Large olive processing unit at ARI, Tarnab, Peshawar with the capacity of 500 kg/hr was repaired and calibrated to get maximum oil recovery.

Olive processing and oil recovery from different olive processing units were analyzed at BARI, Chakwal.

2 Coordination Activities Southern-zone Agricultural Research Centre (SARC), Karachi

Collaboration with NNRC was expedited for the biological treatment and control of mealy bug on Okra and minimizing termite levels.

Two scientists of the institute participated in “Annual Planning Wheat Meeting 2014” held at NARC Islamabad on 11-12 of the reporting month.

Director General, SARC visited the Plant Introduction Centre, SARC to

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review the progress of construction work along with Incharge PMRI, SARC on 23rd of the reporting month 2014.


Sugarcane Varietal Evaluation Visit: Scientists of the Institute visited Faran Sugar Mills Sheikh Bhirkio, Mehran Sugar Mills Tando Allahyar and Habib Sugar Mills Nawabshah. They observed the performance of different NSTHRI, developed sugarcane varieties planted at their farms. They also collected sugar recovery% and cane yield data of Thatta-300, HoTh-127, HoTh-2109, HoTh-326 and HoTh-318 sugarcane varieties. Characteristics of the promising varieties were discussed with sugar industry technocrats.

Regarding “Establishment of Sugarcane Research Board in Sindh Province” NSTHRI coordinated with 10 Sugar Mills (Army Sugar Mills Badin, Sindh Abadgar Sugar Mills Tando Muhammad Khan, Shah Murad Sugar Mills Sijawal, Mehran Sugar Mills Tando Allahyar, Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Mirpurkhas, Mirpurkhas Sugar Mills Mirpurkhas, Matiari Sugar Mills Matiari, Faran Sugar Mills Tando Muhammad Khan, Naudero Sugar Mills Larkana and Bandhi Sugar Mills Nawabshah) for initiation of varietal trials. NSTHRI will provide 05 sugarcane candidate varieties Viz. HoTh-127, HoTh-326, HoTh-2109, YT-53 and YT-55 for testing in joint varietal trials.

Under NUVYT Trials 2014-16, NSTHRI will provide Sugarcane varieties: Thatta-1201 and Thatta-1210 to Shakarganj Sugar Research Institute, Jhang, Sugar Crops Research Institutes, Mardan, Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad, Quaid-e-Awam Agriculture Research Institute and Larkana, Sugarcane Section, ARI, Tandojam for further testing.

Director, NSTHRI briefed the delegation of an NGO based at Jacobabad regarding research and development activities of the Institute. They visited fuzz nursery site and tissue culture laboratory of the institute and appreciated the efforts of the scientists.

National Tea & High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), Shinkiari, Mansehra

Conducted the meeting of Provincial Agriculture setup of KPK regarding newly developed project.

Visited Khaki area of Mansehra for site selection under ALP project titled “Participatory development of tea value-chain around Mansehra areas”.

SARS, Kaghan

Provided shuttle facility to different Research Organizations from all over the country to conduct their research trials on different crops.

PARC Research &Training Station (PRTS), Multan

The station also provided germplasm to two students of M.Sc (Hons), Agri, Plant Breeding & Genetics and 30 accessions of wheat germplasm were multiplied at the station obtained from Gene bank Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, NARC,

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Islamabad. Olive Promotion Project

Federal Project Management Unit arranged monthly planning meeting with the provincial components to plan future strategy to complete the project targets and to evaluate the previous progress.

Technical and final plan for the semester were reviewed as per directives of the management committee of the project and submitted the revised technical and financial plans to PIDSA,

Meetings of Member, PSD

Conducted visit of Agriculture Experts of Bangladesh and briefed them on the research conducted on different crops at NARC, Islamabad.

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Dissemination of research results/ new technologies


The results of wheat nurseries 2013-14 were dispatched to CDRI Islamabad for compilation and further dispatching to all collaborators.


Training was imparted to the farmers on pruning techniques of olive plants during feedback visits of olive orchards in all the provinces.

PARC Research & Training Station (PRTS), Multan

Prepared 1316 Trichogramma eggs cards for distribution.

Distributed 1166 Trichogramma eggs cards among 21 cotton and sugarcane farmers.

4 Capacity Building / Training/ Visits


Seven students from Department of Botany, Agriculture & Agribusiness Management completed internship and submitted reports.

A group of 28 M.Sc students (Final year) from Department of Zoology, University of Karachi visited SARC to gain in depth knowledge of rodents control.


Director, NSTHRI visited SARC Karachi and held a meeting with DG. SARC, for his guidance regarding the financial and other issues of the institute.

Scientist of the institute participated in two days “Proposal Writing Workshop” organized by UC Davis an AIP primary partner held on 9-10th the month at NARC, Islamabad.

Director, NSTHRI gave presentation on land utilization of the institute for the years 2013-14 and 2014-15. A meeting was also held with Program leader Sugar crops, NARC for the smooth implementation of Pak-China Project (Sugarcane Component). Ongoing activities and issues of the AIP-sub project –II, “Improved Mungbean Production” Thatta &Sujawal component: were discussed Program Leader AVRDC.

National Tea & High Value Crops research Institute, Shinkiari

Supervised 03 M. Phil students from Hazara University, 01 M.Sc

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student from University of Engineering and Technology from Lahore.

Arranged one day training program at NTHRI on “Beneficial Cultivation of Mushroom” Organized by NIFA, Tarnab and Directorate of Science and Technology Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.


Training on handling of olive oil extraction units was held at BARI, on 30th of the month and benefitted the participants.

PARC Research & Training Station (PRTS), Multan

Conducted the training of farmers on Mango at Chah Monga Wala regarding the management of Mango Fruit fly and other Insect Pests of Mango & 25 farmers participated in the training program.

Natural Resources Division


Status of the task

1 Research & Development

Balochistan Agricultural Research & Development Centre (BARDC) PARC, Quetta

Analysis of samples collected from different farmer’s fields is being carried out at BARDC.

POCEDPA, olive promotion project in Balochistan: Raised nursery of 3000 olive cuttings at BARDC farm collected from Loralai.

One year field data on Cumin varietal trials at BARDC, Quetta has been completed.

One year field data on varietal trials at BARDC, Quetta has been completed.

Harvesting and picking of medicinal herb (oregano leaves) and cleaning of mallow and lemon balm seeds were carried out.

Harvesting of Milk thisthle, Funnel, methy, artickoke for seed purpose was carried out.

Transplanted 3000 saroo nursery plants to tunnels and salt bush to save plants from ensuing cold months.

Maintenance of nursery of saro and poplar plants raised previous year was done along with other management practices like weeding/cleaning.

Lambs from Balochi-ram cross with Harnai ewes showed average higher live-weight (15.29 kg) compared with lambs from Harnai-ram / Harnai-ewes (15 Kg) during the month. All the experimental sheep were vaccinated against intestine worms with Nilzan.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) D.I. Khan

Study of F3 population of mustard lines and response of different doses of fertilizer of candidate line of rapeseed were sown on 16-09-2014 on well prepared soil.

Maintained the orchard of date palm, ber, falsa, guava and applied all required agronomic practices.

On checking of fish pond made under Artesian well project, the size of fish is increasing in weight day by day and also new stock of fish were achieved through breeding in Daraban. Daily / monthly data of discharge, rainfall and etc were recorded regularly of all selective

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artisian well in Daraban. Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Bahawalpur

Mung bean & Mash bean National Uniform Yield Trial 2014: The National Uniform Mungbean and Mash trials are at full maturity stage at AZRI, Bahawalpur farm. All the required data is under progress and yield data will be calculated.

Millet, Sorghum & Maize National Uniform Yield Fodder Trial.2014: All the National fodder trials are at maturity stage at AZRI, Bahawalpur farm. The required data i.e, leaf are index, fresh bi- mass etc have been recorded. Samples are kept for drying in sun light for dry bio-mass.

Guar National Uniform Yield Fodder Trial.2014: The guar crop is at fruit setting stage.

Role of different levels of Zinc on the growth and yield of Mungbean genotypes: The crop is at maturity stage and requisite data is being recorded as per plan of work.

Comparative studies on resistance of different new lines to attack of Dusky Cotton bug on cotton: The population data regarding dusky cotton long infestation on different varieties have been recorded accordingly on weekly basis.

The effect of Vocozum (PGR, plant growth regulators) & Boron on the fruit shedding on cotton crop: The micro-nutrients have been applied to the cotton trial at recommended dates and the yield data will be recorded on maturity.

The new sowing of Ber plants is under progress at nursery. Grafting of new ber plants are being under process at Bahawalpur farm. The plants of Grapes have been planted around the nursery.

The transplantation of Datepalm plants is under progress at Bahawalpur farm.

The plant protection measures especially for ber fruit fly have been carried out in orchard at Bahawalpur farm. The sex pheromone traps have been hanged in the orchard of ber. The Methyl eugenol is being replenished regularly at weekly interval to assess the population of fruit fly.

The different International varieties of Onion and Tomato have been sown in the pots under Nursery conditions and germination of both the seeds has been started. The nursery of tomatoes is under good condition and it is ready to be transplanted in the field condition in upcoming days. Whereas the germination of onion seed was about 15 – 20% and fen plants are remaining to be transplant.

Removal of salty layer from salt affected soil about 4.6 acers has been carried out. One foot upper salty layer has been uplifted to improve the texture of soil .The addition of farm yard manure will be done in next step.

Solar tube well at Cholistan: Solar tube well is being maintained at Cholistan farm and the water is mixed with canal water and applied to crops as per requirement.

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The irrigation has been applied to citrus and Guava fields at Cholistan Farm.

The growth of millet crop sown at Cholistan farm of AZRI is at maturity stage. Although the crop condition is very poor as early mentioned.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Umerkot

Jatropha crop cultivated on marginal land at AZRI Umerkot is now at vegetative growth and flowering stage.

The seed of trees, grasses, herbs and shrubs are matured. The seed of Lasuriouscyndicus, Cenchrusstigiris, Cenchrusbuffrous are collected, whereas the ripen seed collection of other species is in process.

In Marvi Nursery Shed Acacia nilotica (1500 plants), Zizyphus (500 plants), Hinna (1200 plants), Albizialebek (1000 plants), Calligonu spolygonides (1000 plants) are at vegetative growth stage and new nursery of Conocorpus, Rohero, Kandi, Moringa, Acacia radianaare planted.

Ten acres of Cluster bean cultivated at AZRI field were harvested. Furthermore one acre cluster bean cultivated at the new developed area is at grain development stage.

to see the performance of various varieties/cultivars of cluster bean has been conducted at AZRI Umerkot. Eight varieties/cultivars i.e. are cultivated. Research data collection is in process. The crop is now matured and ready for harvesting and selection of best cultivars.

The guar crop on 40 acre land has been cultivated on the residual moisture. The crop is at pod formation but under drought stress.

A trial of Sesame has been cultivated at AZRI Farm. Eight varieties are planted on 23-7-2014. Sesame varieties TH-03, TH-06 and S-17 have been cultivated for demonstration.

National Uniform Yield Trial on Guar has been conducted at AZRI Farm on 18-07-2014. Seven entries are cultivated. The cultivars are at pod formation stage. Research data is being recorded.

The experiment on sunflower varietal trial has been conducted. Ten varieties/cultivars of sunflower are cultivated. Furthermore 16 germplasm of Sunflower are also cultivated. Crop is at heading stage. Research data is being recorded.

Forty Two germplasm /genotypes of cluster bean collected from IABGR (NARC), DG (SARC) and AZRI has been cultivated in the field. High yielding and better performance germplasm will be selected for further studies. Research data is being recorded.

Bio-gas plant was inoperative condition with daily production of 6-7 m3. Data was recorded on regular basis. Gas is used for pumping water for irrigation to grafted ber under drip of irrigation system. The mean discharge of the DC pump running with solar power was 2.0 liters/sec, while the discharge of AC pump with biogas energy at 2.8 liters/sec. was recorded.

Cultivation of grafted ber under drip irrigation system operated by

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Biogas, Wind and Solar pumping system: The data of grafted Ber during the reported period indicated that an average of plant height, plant girth and plant canopy recorded at 260 cm. 24 cm. and 383 cm. respectively. Total water consumed during the month was 175 m3. The data has been recorded on weekly basis to achieve the best water use efficiency and uniformity coefficient. Monitoring and maintenance are continued. NP fertilizer was applied according to the requirement of each plant. The grafted ber are at flowering and fruiting stage. The Mothbean crop intercropped in grafted ber area is at flowering and seed development process. During the month one spell of rainfall was showered. The paths of drip system were also cleaned for their better performance.

4 acre grafted ber orchard is at fruiting stage. NP fertilizer plus FYM were also applied other cultural practices are in process. The grafted ber are also introduced in semi-arid region of Thar through the collaboration of Research and Development Foundation (RDF) and Sindh Agriculture Development Association (SADA) NGO’s.

Fifty plants of grapes were planted after changing of soil for demonstration to farmers after rain. Hybird tomatoes and onion are also intercropped under a demo drip irrigation system at AZRI.

Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), GilgitCereal Section

Adaptability /National uniform maize hybrid yield trial (Kharif-2014) at MARC, Juglote. Number of entries 40 with three replications, Data for different yield parameters i.e. Days to heading and silking were recorded and other management practices were carried out during the reported month of September.

Adaptability /National uniform maize variety (OPV) yield trial (Kharif-2014). Number of entries 10 with three replications, Data for different yield parameters i.e. Days to heading and silking were recorded and other management practices were carried out during the reported month of September.

Seed production of four improved commercial maize varieties. Thinning, hoeing, irrigation and application of fertilizer were carried out during the reported month of September.

Fodder Section

Performances of 9 different exotic and indigenous varieties of Alfalfa at MARC were managed and crop harvested during the reported month.

Adaptability /National uniform Millet Hybrid yield trial (Kharif-2014). Number of entries 12 with three replications, Data for plant height stand count, no of leaves/plant and fresh weight kg /plot were recorded and crop was harvested during the reported month.

Adaptability /National uniform Sorghum Hybrid yield trial (Kharif-2014). Number of entries 10 with three replications, Data for plant height stand count, no of leaves/plant and fresh weight kg /plot were recorded during the reported month.

National Uniform Fodder Yield Trial on Sorghum for Kharif-2014. 12

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entries with three replications, Data for plant height stand count, no of leaves/plant and fresh weight kg /hectare were recorded during the reported month and crop harvested.

National Uniform Fodder Yield Trial on Millets for Kharif-2014. 09 entries with three replications, Data for plant height stand count, no of leaves/plant and fresh weight kg /hectare were recorded during the reported month and crop harvested.

Fruit Section.

Fruit nurseries of different deciduous fruits (rootstock and grafted plants) were managed for cultural practices, MARS Skardu and MARS, Chilas, respectively.

Vegetable section

Summer vegetable nursery in experimental field was managed and data for different parameters were recorded during the reported month. Sowing of SARRC vegetable seeds in open field at MARC, Juglote was managed and data for different parameters were completely recorded during the reported month.

Sowing of off season vegetables i.e. China cabbage, Radish, Nepali palk and Swish chard were sown on an area of two acres for commercial sale to the communities.

Natural Resource Research Program

14 soil samples were analyzed for ph, Ec, N-NO3, P & K.

Leaf samples prepared for analysis of various tests. Project proposal submitted for medicinal plants research. Revised the work plan for the newly established Natural Resources Research Program

Fisheries (Trout)

Imported dry feeds in comparison with local feeds have been applied to trout fish initial fry.

Management & cleaning of stocking raceways Data regarding survival & growth increment up to advance fry as well as fingerling size is being collected for statistical analysis. Minor repair and cleaning of all ponds have been done and fish were distributed to all ponds according to age & sizes. Trout fish sale to public was started during the reporting period.

Data regarding survival & growth increment up to advance fry as well as fingerling size is being collected for statistical analysis. Minor repair and cleaning of all ponds have been done and fish were distributed to all ponds according to age & sizes. Trout fish sale to public was started during the reporting period.

Livestock

6 local breed cow were performed Artificial Insemination from improved semen.

34 Local / Betal goats were successfully crossed with Betal Bucks in May.

30 local cows were directly crossed with Jersey breeding bull during the reporting month.

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2 Coordination Activities


Supervision of 07 M. Phil / Ph. D students from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University and Agricultural College Baleli, Quetta and One students of Agricultural College Baleli, Quetta doing M. Sc. Research at BARDC, Quetta.

Agro-meteorological data were recorded from BARDC observatory unit. No rain received during the month under report and max 34oC was recorded.


Agro-meteorological data recorded at the observatory unit of AZRI, D.I.Khan was distributed among various relevant provincial and federal departments for their reference and record. Total rainfall 45 mm with windblown at a speed of 204 km/day on 13-06-2013 during the month. While the maximum temperature was recorded 46 0C on 02-06-2013.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) Bahawalpur

The Agro-met data (temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind velocity and evaporation) have been recorded on daily basis from observatory unit of AZRI, Bahawalpur and shared with District Met Department.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) PARC, Umerkot

Coordination with local progressive farmers and NGO’s like RDF, SADA, LARR Humanitarian Development Foundation, SCOPE, Basic- DF and provincial Agriculture Department was continued.

3 Dissemination of research results new technologies


Training of farmers was conducted regarding frame development and pruning of olive trees at Loralai and Zhob Districts.

25 farmers of Chagi District under International Islamic Relief were briefed and trained at BARDC.


Farmers were advised for adoption of improved cropping techniques through weekly transmission “Wasdian Jhokan” of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, D.I. Khan.

Discussed various issues with the staff of Faculty of Agriculture Gomal University, D.I. Khan regarding Rodh Kohi prospects in academia.

Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit

Provided the crossing facilities as on-going activity to the communities of Juglote for the improvement local livestock breed of cows, sheep & goats with improved breed of Jersey, Dahmani and Betal respectively. Provided seeds of vegetable and wheat to the farmers for commercial cultivation.

About 50 Kg seed of China cabbages were distributed to the farming communities in different locations of Gilgit.

4 Capacity building & Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) D.I. Khan

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Training Dr. Muhammad Mansoor PSO AZRI, D.I.Khan participated in Climate workshop / training started from 20-09-2014 at Beijing China

One internee / students of B. Sc (Hons.), Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University has completed his period of internee in field research operations/ breeding techniques etc at AZRI farm.

Director Operation AZRI, D.I. Khan attended two days meeting of land utilization at PARC, HQ to discussed various issues of AZRI.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bahawalpur

Mr. Malik Muhammad Yousaf, Director AZRI, Bahawalpur visited the Annual Wheat Planning Meeting and Wheat Productivity Enhancement Program (WPEP) Annual Review during September 11-12, 2014 at National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad.

Mr. Muhammad Jahangir Shah, SSO/FM & Mr. Bashir Ahmad, SSO visited the Lagari Farm at Choti Zerin, D.G Khan for the training of farmers about the arid horticultural plants especially ber, its grafting, nutritional management and plant protection measures on sand dunes with drip irrigation systems.

Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) Umerkot

Director AZRI, Umerkot along with Scientists participated two days Workshop on “Grand Writing Workshop” held at NARC, Islamabad under CIMMYT, AIP programme w.e.f.09-09-2014 to 10-09-2014.

Director AZRI Umerkot, Mr. Hamz Ali Samoon SSO and Mr. Behari Lal AAE/SO participated in a meeting “Wheat Annual Plan 2014” held at NARC, Islamabad w.e.f. 11-09-2014 to 12-09-2014.

RDF team consist Mr. Ghulam Mustafa team leader, Mr. Ali Mansoor Chandio communication officer, Miss Farkhanda Leghari social organizer along with 12 students and a teacher “School Environment Club” of Union Council Mithrio Charn visited AZRI on 11-09-2014. The team appreciated research oriented work of AZRI.

Muhammad Siddique Depar, SSO AZRI participated a two day training workshop on “Post harvested strategies for vegetable value chain improvements” held at PGRI, NARC Islamabad under AVRDC, AIP programme i.e. 17-09-2014 to 18-09-2014.

Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit

Mr. Shafiullah Director has proceeded to Nepal to attend three days ICIMOD training workshop during the 27th September

Animal Sciences Division


Status of the task

1. Research and Development activities (core/development budget)

Animal Nutrition Program

The ALP funded project “Generation of reference values on amino acid availability in local feedstuffs for poultry and capacity building at NARC/PIASA” officially started from Sep 1, with the release of budget. Hiring of staff and lab remodeling is under progress.

An experiment entitled “Nutritional evaluation of corn silage bales influenced by storage conditions” with collaboration of Livestock

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Research Station is in progress. Silage samples were collected and analyzed for proximate composition at 28th day of post silage preparation. Dry matter and pH of silage bales kept inside or outside the shed were 33.23 and 31.69% and 3.90 and 3.75, respectively.

An experiment “Effect of dietary supplementation of microbial feed additives on the production and health status of lactating dairy animals” analysis of blood and fecal samples are in progress.

Animal Health Program Under PPR-ALP project, a local isolate of PPR virus (PAK-Fjg-

07/NARC4) from AHP repository is being attenuated for the development of PPR vaccine by serial passages on Vero cells. During month under report, 34 serial passages were completed. An experiment to access the thermostability potential of seven local isolates of PPR virus has been completed.

An experiment is being under way for raising of hyperimmune sera against PPR in sheep and goats at LRS.

Repository of different local isolates of PPR and FMD viruses was maintained.

Successfully maintained and sub-cultured Vero, LFBK and LFBKaVB6 cell lines.

Under the FMD project, Serum Neutralization Test for FMDV type Asia 1 was conducted and found that Arriah and Merial vaccine do not provide protection against field virus.

Repository of different local isolates of PPR and FMD viruses, and cell lines of LFBK and LFBKaVB6 were maintained.

Animal Product Improvement Program

In Small Ruminant Research (SRR) section of APIP, an RADP Sub-Project “Study on Production Potential of Different Sheep and Goats for Mutton Production under High Input System” is in progress. The goat flock was screened for parasitic infestations and scanned through ultrasonography.

The SRR is collaborating with Animal Health Program for the studies on PPR vaccine sera, and with ILRI and CIMMYT in the Agricultural Innovative Project (AIP). Additionally, the section is also collaborating with Range Research Institute in the RADP sub-project “Rangeland Improvement by Re-vegetation of Suitable Species and Development of Model Pasture at NARC”

The SRR section is preparing a new PC-1 entitled “Integrated Resource Management and Value Chain Development in High Value Horticultural and Live-Stock system for improvement of Livelihood in rural areas of District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”. The Livestock Component of the said PC-1 was prepared and submitted to the concerned quarters by Small Ruminant section of the APIP.

The Dairy and Meat Technology (DMT) section of APIP won a grant of Rs. 2.072 million under RADP funding on “Semi commercial experimental trials of yogurt production with locally developed indigenous starter culture” proposal.

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The DMT section processed 20 milk and dahi / yoghurt samples to harvest desirable strains of indigenous lactic acid bacteria under “Semi commercial experimental trials of yogurt production with locally developed indigenous starter culture” project.

Animal Reproduction and Genetics Program

Under the PSF project “Investigations on Fertility-Related Biomarkers in Buffalo Semen to reduce male-factor losses (MFLs)”, pregnancy diagnosis have been started regarding fertility trial on buffaloes with semen collected and preserved in low breeding season.

Under the ALP project, “Improving reproductive efficiency of cows and buffaloes through oestrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination” pregnancy test performed on 11 non-descript cows treated and inseminated during peak breeding season (April 2014) showed a conception rate of 73%. Another trial was started on 19 non descript cows during low breeding season around Gujar Khan. Estrus was synchronized with CIDR and animals were inseminated with Friesian semen. All the animals showed good heat signs.

Under a collaborative project entitled “Camel semen cryopreservation”, 2 male and 2 female camels were purchased from District Attock. Animal are passing through acclimatization phase before start of their training for semen donation in artificial vagina.

Aquaculture and Fisheries Program

In the experiment entitled “To study the growth performance of carps fed on supplementary fish feeds containing varying levels of proteins i.e. 15, 20 and 25 % CP”, the average weights of Rohu, Mori, Grass carp and Silver carp at four month were 284.72, 394.02, 539.32 and 617.23 g respectively in treatment 1, While in treatment 2 Rohu, Mori, Grass carp and Silver carp were 387.75, 351.92, 527.14 and 691.20 g respectively. The duration for this experiment is six months. This experiment is a part of the project, “Intensification of fish culture to increase per unit area fish production in farm ponds using different managemental inputs”.

Fingerlings of American Channel cat fish with 5-8 g were given to fish farmers in Punjab for recording of growth performance in ponds.

Livestock Research Station

Livestock Research Station (LRS) is maintaining a buffalo/cattle herd of 174 heads for research purposes. There were 7 new births and in total 3,522 L milk (worth Rs 211,320/-) was sold. Also, 150 acres of land was prepared for fodder production.

National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases

A total of 861referral and surveillance samples were received and processed for viral, bacterial and molecular diagnosis. In this regard, 126 molecular diagnosis reactions (PCR, QRT-PCR, RT-PCR & sequencing) and 494 serological reactions including HI, ELISA, PAT were carried out for major poultry pathogens along with bacteriological evaluation of 10 samples. Also, 14 postmortems were conducted. Overall 8 viruses were isolated and sub typed as 6 H9 AIVs

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and 2 NDV along with 4 bacteriological isolations. Other poultry pathogens including IBV, AAV, MDV, ALV, REV and MG were also detected from suspected samples.

Two NC's were closed raised by PNAC. Some record keeping performas were revised.

Under the HPED project NS and Matrix genes of AIV H14N3 were sequenced. Samples have been evaluated serologically and no seroconversion was found against AIV H7N9.

Under ALP project primers for Spike protein sequence analysis of M-41 strain has been designed. 4 selected isolates of NDV have been propagated for experimental purpose. AIV H9N2 has been propagated for antigen preparation.

Under RADP -H9N2 project PCR primers were designed for NA gene sequencing for AIV H9N2.Selected isolates were propagated for IVPI testing.

2.

Coordination Activities

Animal Health Program

Monthly teleconference was held with PIADC USDA to share FMD project achievements.

Tele-meeting was conducted with the provincial project in charge of PPR project ALP in Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Baluchistan, GB and AJK.

Under Epinode, the AHP coordinated with provincial L&DD to know the disease status of various diseases in each province.

Animal Product Improvement Program

PL (APIP)/Director (ASI) had a meeting with DG (Research, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) about the PSDP project on Sannen goats in Malakand, and with Secretary of L&DD Punjab for the execution of ALP funded project.

President, Small Ruminant Breeding Association visited the Coordinator’s Office.

The DMT section participated in the meeting with Plan International to discuss prospective contribution of DMT in promoting value addition in dairy sector under the Mega Project, viz., “Value Addition in Agriculture – Cluster Development Approach” (VAA-CDA). The DMT section also prepared material / video on current status of Islamabad Milk Plant on 10th Sept 2014 as an agenda in the meeting with Secretary, FS&R with respect to MoU of PATCO with NRSP.

Revised TORs of DMT section were prepared and sent to concerned quarters

Animal Reproduction and Genetics Program

Coordination activities for ALP project “Improving reproductive efficiency of cows and buffaloes through estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination” were performed.

ARGP scientists worked as external examiners for three M.Phil student theses of Quaid-i-Azam University, and one thesis from AIOU.

Aquaculture and Fisheries Program

Attended the International Conference, Creating Food Self Sufficiency

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in Thar Utilizing Indigenous Groundwater Resources, organized by Dawood Univ. Engineering & Technology, Government of Sindh, Sep 13-14, 2014 at Hotel Pearl Continental, Karachi.

Attended the meeting with Chairman PARC on discussion the Mansehra fisheries project.

Attended the meeting with Chairman PARC on Feasibility on the culture Soft Shell Turtle Trionyx sinensis in Pakistan on 22 Sept 2014.

National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases

Under FELTP project sample collection material dispatched to the provincial coordinators.

Revised budget narrative for the extension of project submitted to CDC-USA.

Concept Note for approval of National Training on Harmonization of Diagnostics against Pandemic AIV-H7N9 at NRLPD prepared and submitted to FAO Regional HQ.

3. Dissemination of research results/new techniques (Publications, Research Papers, Articles, Radio TV Talks, Seminars, Symposia, Workshop etc.

Dissemination of Research Products

The ANP analyzed 4 silage, 03 feed, and 15 potato samples for proximate and minerals (K, Ca & Na) composition.

The FTU-ANP sold 574 bags of PARC cattle feed, 02 kg milk booster, and 08 urea molasses blocks under PATCO.

The AFP sold ornamental fishes at an amount of Rs 33870/-.

LRS sold 1500 silage bales in collaboration with PATCO, and also produced 100 bales for use at LRS, NARC.

Trainings

Dr. M. Iqbal Anjum, SSO, attended two days training workshop on Grant Writing from 9-10 Sep, organized by Agricultural Innovation Program, ILRI in collaboration with CIMMYT, USAID and One World at NARC, Islamabad.

Dr. Agha Waqar Yunus (SSO, ANP) and Dr. Umer Farooq (SSO, AH) attended 4 days training on Strategic Vision from 15-18 Sep, organized by Pakistan Manpower Institute, Islamabad.

Scientists of AFP attended the fish training at Fathejhang with FDB Islamabad on 24 Sep 2014.

Publications

An Inventory of Feeding Strategies for Dairy Goats in Pakistan and submitted to the Asian Australasian Dairy Goat Network, University Putra, Malaysia.

Three papers regarding FMD studies were presented in 5th International Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change from 9-11 Sep at Rawalakot, AJK.

Two posters have been prepared for presentation in Poultry Expo (IPEX, Pakistan) at Expo Centre, Johar Town, Lahore, dated September 25-27, 2014.

A manuscript entitled, "Isolation and sequence analysis of AIV H4N6" was submitted to the journal Virus Research.

Following research manuscripts have been accepted for publication: - Ghazzanfar et al. Effect of dietary supplementation of yeast

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(Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) culture on growth performance, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility and fecal flora of dairy heifers. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences.

- Latif et al. Effects of ensiling Dab grass (Desmostachya bipinnata) with maize and different molasses combinations on proximate composition and digestibility in small ruminants. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences.

- Akmal et al. Thawing/holding Sahiwal semen straws in ice water for AI- an adaptive experience. Pak. J. Zool.

- Jabeen et al. Determination of Ovsynch and CIDR efficiency for estrous synchronization by conception rate in NiliRavi buffalo during low and peak breeding season. Pak. Vet. J.

4. Trainings imparted In ANP, one M.Phil student from PIASA and one MSc student from University of Hazara are conducting their research work. Besides, 4 farmers (03 from ICT area, and 01 from D. G. Khan) and 01 feed miller were guided on feeding and management of calf fattening and dairy animals.

In ANP, one M.Phil student from PIASA is working on isolation and characterization of Lactobacilli from chicken.

In AHP, 2 students from PIASA-NARC are working on comparative sensitivity of various cell lines used for isolation of FMD virus. A student from UVAS, UDL Lahore was also trained on PCR based diagnosis of MG.

The Small Ruminant section of the APIP advised 6 farmers and two livestock equipment manufacturers on small ruminant production.

The Dairy and Meat Technology section of the APIP inducted two M.Phil students of the Hazara University in the semi commercial yoghurt trials project for their theses research. Additionally, technical advice to conserve quality of raw milk handling in hot season etc was provided to smallholders.

At ARGP, research work of 03 PhD and 04 M. Phil students is being supervised.

The AFP briefed and advised 11 fish farmers on different aspects of fish culture system.

AT LRS, 22 progressive farmers were given advice. Besides, urdu lecture was delivered on farmers field day at Village Marth, Dhoke vallana near Gha, Chakwal.

In NRLPD, a two days training on "PCR based diagnosis of MG” was conducted for a student from UUDL, UVAS, Lahore. Also, research of two PIASA M. Phil students on NDV and IBV is being supervised.

Social Sciences Division


Status of the task

1. Research and Development

Factors affecting the mung bean acreages and production in Low Intensity Zone of the Punjab. Report writing in progress

Baseline Survey of AIP Project Pakistan. Data analysis in progress

Economics of Relay Wheat Cultivation in Cotton Crop in the Cotton-

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Wheat Zone of Punjab. Data entry completed

Economic Feasibility and Prospects of Strawberry Spread in Central Punjab. Data analysis completed

Prospects of Fish Farming in Saline Area of Rice-Wheat Cropping system of the Punjab. Questionnaire developed and data collection will be follow.

Adoption of Recommended Production Practices and Their Impact on Citrus Productivity in Punjab. Data collection and entry completed

Analysis of Price Variation of Essential Agricultural food Commodities at Different Levels of Marketing. Wholesale price data has been compiled for four crops.

Assessment of Recommended Production Technologies Adopted by the Cotton Growers in the Punjab. Data analysis in progress

Economics Analysis of Turmeric Crop in Kasur District.Data entry completed

An Analysis of Investment Decisions of Dairy Farmer’s for keeping Dry Buffaloes.Reports have been completed and send to H.Q for comments.

Annual Research plan study entitled Irrigation Water for Sustainable Food Production and Rural Development: A Case Study of Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) in District D.I.Khan, Pakistan”. Questionnaire is ready for survey.

Annual Research plan study entitled “Cell Phone Technology as a Source of Agricultural Knowledge: A Farmers Perception (A Case Study of Mardan District). The questionnaire pretested in the field and modified the questionnaire. The questionnaire is ready for survey

2. Coordination Activities

Research and Coordination Committee meeting at Hatian Bala. Director SSRI participated in a meeting held on 9-10 Sept. 2014.

Seminar on Vaccination Campaign for Livestock against F&M and HS diseases at Patika.Director SSRI participated in a seminar held on 18 Sept. 2014

Scientists of SSRI participated in First National Workshop on Durum Wheat in Pakistan, at AARI, Faisalabad 22 to 23-9-2014.

Coordination with ICARDA for the project entitled “Watershed Rehabilitation and Irrigation Improvement in Pakistan: Demonstrating and Disseminating the Best Practices and Technologies to Help Rural Farmers”. Mr. Abdul Hassan and Mr. Arshad Farooq, Senior Scientific Officers, SSRI, Tarnab-Peshawar participated in ICARDA quarterly review meeting held on September 27, 2014 at Agricultural University Faisalabad and presented quarterly progress of the project

Coordination with CIMMYT for the project entitled “Baseline Survey in All District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”. Mr. Nisar Ali Shah, Director, SSRI, Tarnab-Peshawar participated in two day first National Workshop on Durum Wheat in Pakistan organized by CIMMYT at Agricultural University Faisalabad on September 22-23, 2014.

Coordination with Agricultural Research FATA Mr. Nisar Ali Shah,

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Director, Mr. Arshad Farooq and Mr. Abdul Hassan, Senior Scientific Officers, SSRI, Tarnab-Peshawar participated in pre-assessment workshop for assessment of onion crop in Mohmand Agency organized by Director Agricultural Research FATA at Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab-Peshawar on September 4, 2014.

Coordination with Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar. Mr. Abdul Hassan, Senior Scientific Officer, SSRI, Tarnab-Peshawar delivered lectures in three day training on “Entrepreneurship skills development” the training organized by Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab-Peshawar on September 22-26 at ARI, Tarnab-Peshawar

3. Dissemination of Information

Mr. Abdul Hassan, Senior Scientific Officer, SSRI, Tarnab-Peshawar delivered lectures in three day training on “Entrepreneurship skills development”

Mr. Nisar Ali Shah, Director, SSRI, Tarnab-Peshawar delivered lecture in three day training on “Entrepreneurship skills development” the training organized by Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab-Peshawar on September 27 at ARI, Tarnab-Peshawar. The topic of the training was “Problems of Rural Enterprises (Special Emphasis on Beekeeping)”

Coordination & Monitoring Division


Status of the task

1. Coordination Activity

Annual Wheat Planning Meeting & WPEP Annual Review Participate in Annual review meeting under Wheat Productivity Enhancement Program (WPEP) organized by CIMMYT-Pakistan on September 11-12, 2014 at NARC, Islamabad Coordination with Various Countries 1. Sent letters to Research Officer, Ministry of NFS&R regarding:

i. 15th session of Pak-Turkey Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) likely to be held during 1st half of October 2014 at Ankara, Turkey.

ii. Implementation status of 7th session of Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Commission.

2. Sent letter to Additional Secretary (Europe), Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding draft MOU on scientific and technical cooperation in the field of agricultural research between Pakistan Agricultural Research council and the Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria.

3. Processed the case for signing of MOU between PARC and INRES, University of Bonn, Germany.

4. Processed the Joint Working Group formulation case for 19th session of Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission

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2. MOU’s

MOU at National Level i) Conducted signing Ceremony of National MOU b/w NUST School of

Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and PARC on 11 September, 2014 at NUST (SEECS) H-12, Islamabad

MOUs at International Level i) Sent letters to Research Officer, Ministry of NFS&R regarding draft

MOU between the Agency for Agriculture Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia, and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

ii) Sent a letter to Research Officer, Min. NFS&R Draft MOU on Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the field of agricultural research between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and the Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria.

iii) Sent letter to Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding pending and proposed MOUs/Agreements between Pakistan and China

3. Meetings

International Level i) Director IC attended the meeting in Economic Affairs Division

regarding Pak – Turkey cooperation. ii) Director IC attended the meeting in Economic Affairs Division

regarding Pak – Qatar cooperation. iii) Director IC attended the meeting in Economic Affairs Division

regarding Pak – German cooperation. Director IC attended the meeting in Economic Affairs Division regarding Pak – Turkmenistan cooperation.

4. Training

National Level Ten cases of local short term trainings were processed and circulated for the month of September and twelve officers/ officials were sent to the local training in local institutions. International Level

i) During the month of September 1 foreign short term training case of the scientist were processed. and sent to the MNFS&R.

ii) Thirty cases of international visits of scientists were processed to participate in the different events for different countries and send to the Ministry of Food Security & for approval. About twenty scientists participated in international events on different themes in different countries.

iii) Three foreign long term training cases were processed. iv) Five NOCs were issued to the scientists/officials for higher studies in

the local and foreign universities

Planning & Development Division

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Processing of PSDP projects

I. Fifty (50) copies each of the five new projects was submitted to the M/o NFS&R for onward transmission to the M/o Planning, Development & Reforms for consideration in the forth coming meeting of CDWP.

II. Fifteen (15) copies each of the two new projects was submitted to the M/o NFS&R for consideration in the forth coming meeting of DDWP.

As per advice of the Secretary M/o NFS&R, the presentation of five new projects of PARC was made in the Committee Room, 3rd Floor, “B” Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad. As per guidance of the Secretary M/o NFS&R, these projects have been submitted to the M/o NFS&R for onward transmission to the M/o Planning, Development & Reforms for consideration in the forth coming meeting of CDWP.

New development project titled “Value Addition in Agriculture - Cluster Development Approach” received from Director (Outreach), NARC was scrutinized and observations made were forwarded for improvement of the PC-I.

Cash/Work Plan 2014-15

The PDs/PIs of all projects including in PSDP 2014-15 were reminded/followed up for early preparation of cash/work plan as per allocation made to their respective project in PSDP 2014-15. The cash/work plans are being forwarded to the M/o NFS&R after finalization.

Development of Results Based Monitoring & Evaluation System for PARC

Various formats and information regarding Results Based Monitoring& Evaluation System have been developed/finalized and forwarding to the Technical Divisions for seeking information on Annual work Plan (2014-15). As Annual Work plans developed by various institutes, were not upto the mark hence, it was decided that PM&E team may conduct / arrange hand on training session on PM&E framework and its relationship with PARC five year business plan 2013-18 for all institutes/scientists of NARC and outstations. Purpose of this briefing will be to sensitize the heads of various institutes of PARC regarding M&E framework, its use and how to fill up the Annual Work plan format for individual institute. Consequently, PM&E team conducted Hands-on training/ orientation sessions at NARC on the subject. From 15th to 29th September 2014. As concern the institutes of Plant Sciences Division, the P&DD have received Annual Work plans of 15 institutes which were discussed and improved with the collaboration Dr. Mohammad Amjad (Focal person M&E). So, it was felt that there is no need to conduct orientation sessions on M&E for the institutes of PSD.

Compilation and preparation of monthly activities reports.

A brief and consolidated monthly activities report in respect of Planning & Development Division, PARC for the month of August 2014 was compiled/prepared. The same was submitted to Director (Technical), Secretary Office, PARC for onward submission to the concerned quarters.

Preparation of material for year book of PARC for the year 2013-14.

Collected, compiled and prepared material for 2013-14 in respect of P&D Div., PARC and submitted the same to Director (Technical), Secretary Office, PARC for further action.

Physical verification of capital assets for ALP funded on-going projects

Carried out the activity of physical verification of capital assets of one ALP on-going projects titled “Agricultural productivity in relation to farmer’s nutritional status of Mardan” at Agriculture University, Peshawar on 24.09.2014

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On-site evaluation of ALP on-going project

Carried out on-site evaluation of the following two on-going ALP projects at Agriculture University, Peshawar:

I. Agricultural productivity in relation to farmer’s nutritional status of Mardan.

II. Investigation into effectiveness of the concept of farmer’s field school (FFS) in agricultural development in districts Malakand, Swat and Charsadda

Monitoring of Ongoing Projects

Continued monitoring of ALP ongoing projects (62) being implemented at various research institutes/ universities. Financial and technical progress reports of two (2) projects collected from PIs examined/evaluated and were forwarded to the Finance Division and technical divisions after found in order for further releases of funds on basis of expenditure reported and budget allocation.

Funds Released Funds were released to fifteen (15) on-going projects after the financial reports were provided by the PIs of the projects and forwarded to Finance Division, PARC.

Extension in duration of project

Extension in duration of project entitled “Economics of Using Alternative Energy Sources and Adoption of Energy Saving Practices by the Farmers under Current Energy Crisis in Pakistan” being implemented at NARC has been granted by the competent authority in the council. All concerned have been informed accordingly.

Project Implementation Agreements

Project implementation agreement in respect of the a projects approved in 19th meeting of BOD, ALP held on 15th May, 2014 processed for signing with the host institutes after negotiation of budget with the PIs. Agreements in respect of the projects have been signed with the host institutes for implementation of projects.

Financial and administrative power to the PI of project “Generation of Reference Values on Amino Acid Availability in Local Feedstuffs for Poultry and Capacity Building at NARC/PIASA on Amino Acid Analysis” being implemented at NARC delegated for operation of project and circulated among all concerned.

Follow-up actions Followed regularly the completion formalities of the completed projects required to be finalized on closing of projects. Pending actions in respect of two (2) projects have been completed. These reports have been forwarded to technical divisions for evaluation.

Appraisal of Project Proposals

The details project proposals under 7th batch of ALP being provided by the scientists remained under process of appraisal. The proposals were evaluated and further processed for appraisal by national referees.

Administrative approval of budget

The cases in respect of four (4) projects under MOU were processed for seeking approval of the competent authority for budget 2014-15 and extension in duration.

Two (2) projects submitted by NARC scientist were submitted to Pakistan Sciences Foundation for funding under endowment funds of PARC

Budget revision Budget break-up for 2014-15 in respect of three (3) on-going projects revised as per project requirements were examined and processed for approval of the competent authority in the council through technical division. The revised budget 2014-15 after the approval by the Chairman,

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PARC/BOD, ALP provided to all concerned for further action.

PARC Business Plan 2013-18 and M&E

Distribution of Business Plan document is going on - provided to various organizations on request.

Implementation process being followed up. Formats prepared, refined and distributed to concern for filling up Annual Work plan 2014-15. PARC Divisions and organizations being pursued for preparation of their Annual Work Plans on the basis of Business Plan as per uniform format.

Three training/discussion sessions on M&E exercise conducted to complete Annual Plan exercise. M&E related input on three RADP new project proposals given. RADP project format revised to incorporate M&E parameters.

Project on Capacity Building for proposal writing

Preparations for next workshop at KPK started. Spade work for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan) is going on.

Nomination call letters sent for KPK organizations and nominations started arriving. Couples of proposals received were reviewed and necessary input given for refinement. The refined proposals submitted to ALP Secretariat PARC for short listing.

Liaison with the participants of the previous courses is on through email. Detailed report on progress presented in the last BOG meeting.

Budget for 2014-15 1nd 14-16 prepared got approved and notified. Extension case of project got approved and notified.

Comments on 2nd annual progress reports of the project submitted to ALP Secretariat are awaited.

Meetings with collaborators planned to start preparations for next workshop.

National Agricultural Research Centre


Status of the task

1. Research and Development

Effect of dietary supplementation of microbial feed additives on the production and health status of lactating dairy animals” analysis of blood and fecal samples are in progress.

A local isolate of PPR virus (PAK-Fjg-07/NARC4) from AHP repository is being attended for the development of PPR vaccine by serial passages on Vero cells. During month under report, 34 serial passages were completed. Thermo stability potential of seven local isolates of PPR virus has been completed.

Raising of hyper immune sera against PPR in sheep and goats at LRS is underway.

Under the FMD project, Serum Neutralization Test for FMDV type Asia 1 was conducted and found that Arriah and Merial vaccine do not provide protection against field virus.

Repository of different local isolates of PPR and FMD viruses, and cell lines of LFBK and LFBKaVB6 were maintained.

In Small Ruminant Research (SRR) section of APIP, an RADP Sub-Project

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“Study on Production Potential of Different Sheep and Goats for Mutton Production under High Input System” is in progress. The goat flock was screened for parasitic infestations and scanned through ultrasonography.

Under the PSF project “Investigations on Fertility-Related Biomarkers in Buffalo Semen to reduce male-factor losses (MFLs)”, pregnancy diagnosis have been started regarding fertility trial on buffaloes with semen collected and preserved in low breeding season.

Under the ALP project, “Improving reproductive efficiency of cows and buffaloes through oestrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination” pregnancy test performed on 11 non-descript cows treated and inseminated during peak breeding season (April 2014) showed a conception rate of 73%. Another trial was started on 19 non descript cows during low breeding season around Gujar Khan. Estrus was synchronized with CIDR and animals were inseminated with Friesian semen. All the animals showed good heat signs.

Growth performance of carps fed on supplementary fish feeds containing varying levels of proteins i.e. 15, 20 and 25 % CP”, the average weights of Rohu, Mori, Grass carp and Silver carp at four month were 284.72, 394.02, 539.32 and 617.23 g respectively in treatment 1, While in treatment 2 Rohu, Mori, Grass carp and Silver carp were 387.75, 351.92, 527.14 and 691.20 g respectively. Fingerlings of American Channel cat fish with 5-8 g were given to fish farmers in Punjab for recording of growth performance in ponds.

A total of 861referral and surveillance samples were received and processed for viral, bacterial and molecular diagnosis. In this regard, 126 molecular diagnosis reactions (PCR, QRT-PCR, RT-PCR & sequencing) and 494 serological reactions including HI, ELISA, PAT were carried out for major poultry pathogens along with bacteriological evaluation, 14 postmortems were also conducted. Overall 8 viruses were isolated and sub typed as 6 H9 AIVs and 2 NDV along with 4 bacteriological isolations. Other poultry pathogens including IBV, AAV, MDV, ALV, REV and MG were also detected from suspected samples.

Irrigation systems performance for mature orchard, Furrow bed irrigation system evaluation, Drip system for vegetables in tunnels and hydraulic performance of efficient irrigation systems components were carried out. Experimental field are being maintained.

Climatic data parameters like; minimum maximum temp., relative humidity, solar radiations, rainfall, etc was collected and distributed to scientists at NARC, Islamabad.

Collected data of Rainfall and Graphical representation of temperature month of September, 2014 on daily basis.

600 ft of upvc Main line of 3’’ dia has been placed under ground and is coupled with solar pumping system at Kambrial.

Head unit has been also been installed for drip and sprinkler irrigation at Kambrial

Drip system has been installed over 2 acre area for olive and grapes

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plantation. 120 olive plants has been planted with 20x20 ft spacing while 300 grapes plantation carried out with 10x10 ft spacing at Kambrial.

Solar pumping system installed at Kambrial project site was evaluated at different periods of interval. The average discharge of solar pump was 6.5lps with peak discharge of 7 lps.

Collection of soil moisture data through soil sensors and agro-met data of selected project sites was collected as a routine activity at thatti Gujran,satramil and arokas area.

250 eyes brows have been developed for orchards fruits plants at Kambrail.

Under ASLP Mango Production Project, a survey was conducted in Multan, Khanewal and Muzaffar Garh districts to observe the effect of floods on mango orchards. The orchards are badly affected in Muzaffar Garh cluster.

Under MoU project (ASLP Nestle Chaunsa Project), implementation of activities initiated. Activities include pruning, dead wood removal, weeding and paclobutrazole application in Multan and Khanewal cluster.

Mushroom production is in progress, spawn of oyster mushroom is being multiplied for its production.

Culture of bio control agents, Chrysoperla carnea, Harmonia dimidiata and their host insects, Spodoptera, Chilo partelus, fruit fly, Sitotroga cerealella, and Corcyra cepalonica were maintained in insectary.

Experiment was conducted on rearing of Harmonia dimidiata grubs feeding on Sitotroga cerealella eggs under controlled conditions.The results indicates that H. dimidiata first instar grubs fed on 51 eggs (0.002244 gram) of Sitotroga. Similarly second, third and fourth instar grubs consumed 129, 460 and 2314 eggs equivalent to 0.005676, 0.02024 and 0.101816 gram, respectively. The total grub/larvae consumed 0.133716 gram Sitotroga eggs which are equal to 3039 eggs/grub. The results further indicates that Harmonia dimidiata adults were breed successfully on Sitotroga eggs, which indicates that Harmonia beetles can successfully mass reared on Sitotroga eggs under controlled condition.

Trial production of gluten free cake was carried out

Prepared different recipes for nutritious drinks from cereal powders. Sensory evaluation of RTS cereal drinks was carried out.

Antioxidant activity of mango and kinnow peel extracted was determined by DPPH and superoxide radical assay

Tofu was developed from soybean milk and oraganoleptically evaluated.

Prepared the following products for PATCO: Mango squash Mango drink Peach chatney Pear chatney

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Agronomic data compiled and statistically analyzed regarding effect of coal and plant derived humic substances on the yield of onion under field condition.

Seed samples were prepared using 2800 accessions of wheat, 750 accessions of oilseed brassicas and 200 accessions of safflower for field sowing in the upcoming Rabi season.

A total of 743 accessions of different crops including barley (240), tomato (233) and vegetables (270) were received in gene-bank after multiplication.

The fruits of eggplant and bell-pepper were harvested and plants were removed from the field. Okra germplasm in the field is in good condition; 3 pickings of mature fruits have been taken. Rossel (15 accessions) planted in pots are also in good condition.

Mung-bean and soybean (35 accessions each) sown in the pots for multiplication are in good condition.

SDS-PAGE analysis of total seed storage proteins was carried out using 24 accessions each of Brassica juncea&B. rapa, 50 samples of mung-bean, 60 accessions of sorghum, and 40 accessions of tomato for the assessment of genetic diversity among given germplasm.

Leaf sampling of 50 accessions of Brassica campestris and 50 accessions of B. juncea was conducted for DNA extraction, whereas 96 accessions of indigenous rice were used for SSR analysis.

Essential oil from thyme and 5 mint cultivars were extracted and subjected to assays on anti microbial activities against three bacterial strains.

Seed viability testing was conducted for 32 accessions of different crops including Brassica (10), onion (19) and Trigonella (3). It also included 3 samples of Trigonella via PATCO.

Experiments on heat-stress physiology of maize lines planted in open field: agronomic data i.e., yield data; cob weight, numbers of grain per cob and 1000-seed weight data collection was recorded.

An experiment on salinity tolerance of some wheat synthetics was initiated in a growth chamber. Salinity of 150 mM NaCl was applied and leaf samples were collected for sodium, potassium and chlorophyll measurements.

2. Coordination Activity

Meeting with Regional Director, NAVTTC was held to streamline activities of project entitled “Short Term Skill Development Courses under Prime Minister’s Hunarmand Pakistan Program”.

After incorporating suggestions given by Plant Sciences Division and Animal Sciences Division of PARC in RADP sub-project “Skill Development of Graduates as Service Providers in Agriculture Sector”, the PC-I was resubmitted to the Project Director, RADP for further processing,

The Small Ruminant Research Program (SRRP) is collaborating with Animal Health Program for the studies on PPR vaccine sera, and with ILRI and CIMMYT in the Agricultural Innovative Project (AIP). Additionally, the section is also collaborating with Range Research

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Institute in the RADP sub-project “Rangeland Improvement by Re-vegetation of Suitable Species and Development of Model Pasture at NARC”

Fingerlings of American Channel cat fish with 5-8 g were given to fish farmers in Punjab for recording of growth performance in ponds.

Tele-meeting was conducted with the provincial project in charge of PPR project ALP in Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Baluchistan, GB and AJK.

Under Epinode, the Animal Health Program (AHP)HP coordinated with provincial L&DD to know the disease status of various diseases in each province.

Attended the International Conference, Creating Food Self Sufficiency in Thar Utilizing Indigenous Groundwater Resources, organized by Dawood Univ. Engineering & Technology, Government of Sindh, Sep 13-14, 2014 at Hotel Pearl Continental, Karachi.

Attended 3 days AWCI Training Workshop onClimate Change Impact Assessment, 15 - 17 September 2014 at PMD, Islamabad.

Participated in one day High-level workshop on Pathways to Resilience in Semi-Arid Economics (PRISE), 26th September, 2014 Islamabad.]

Sindh Agriculture Development Association (SADA) at Umerkot organized a Farmer Field Day on 22nd Sept. 2014 at Haji Mir Hassan Bhatti Agriculture Farm, Umerkot. More than 120 FFS, non FFS farmers including a group of women, Agriculture Extension personnel, and members of Farmer based organizations attended and participated in the said activity.

Rodent control operation in groundnut crop is in progress. In this regard a total of 60 PVC bait stations installed in and around field. Four Kg racumin grain bait replenished in the empty bait stations.

Rodent control operation was carried out in hybrid maize crop. Fumigation with aluminium phosphide was carried out in 30 active burrows.

Rodent control operation was carried out in and around Security Office and LRRI stores. Racumin grain bait was applied in environmentally safe PVC bait stations. Two Kg racumin grain bait applied. No further damage was reported from the areas treated.

Fruit fly traps were installed at NARC to compare the efficacy of local and imported Methyl Eugenol and weekly data was collected.

Scientists from CDRI visited horticulture field at NARC and samples were collected from chrysanthemum. Fusarium was isolated and fungicide was recommended for its management.

Scientists of IPMP visited Soybean fields for pest monitoring at NARC and report was sent to Oilseed Research Program with copy to DG, NARC and Member (PSD), PARC.

Attended field day along with DG and other scientists of NARC at Fateh Jang on “Mungbean” under the Agriculture innovation program (AIP) for Pakistan organized by Pulses program NARC/PARC, AVRDC, USAID and ICIMMYT.

Survey was conducted for establishment of bioremediation at Village

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Kambrial Fateh jhang

Scientists from DPEP participated in farmer field day organized by Land Resources Research Institute at Chakwal in groundnut crop. Lecture and technical guidance regarding rodent control was imparted to farmers participated in field day.

A total of 1376 accessions were distributed including brassica (1), coriander (1) and cababge (1) to Uzma Noreen, QAU; cauliflower (10) to Sardar Arif, PGRI; wheat (165) and barley (4) to Prof. Imtiaz, Karakorum International University; chili (30) to Maria Saleem, Research Officer, Hazara Agri Research Station, Abbottabad; pea (30), tomato (25) and wheat (25) to M. Shah Swaar, ARI Tarnab; B. napus (239), B. juncea (441) and B. rapa (404) to Dr. M.Ashiq Rabbani, PGRI.

Sensory evaluation & proximate composition analysis of gluten free biscuit was carried out.

3. Dissemination of Research/training

In coordination with Secours Islamique France (SIF), Islamabad, three-day training course on “Kitchen Gardening” from 29-09-2014 to 01-10-2014 for the ladies of Noor Pur Shahan (Barri Imam), Islamabad is in progress. Forty women are participating in the training course.

Interacted with Satpara Development Project (SDP), Aga Khan Rural Support Program Skardu for organizing training course for agriculture and livestock extension workers of the project.

The FTU-ANP sold 574 bags of PARC cattle feed, 02 kg milk booster, and 08 urea molasses blocks under PATCO.

The Aquaculture Fisheries Program (AFP) sold ornamental fishes at an amount of Rs 33870/-.

Livestock Research Station (LRS) sold 1500 silage bales in collaboration with PATCO, and also produced 100 bales for use at LRS, NARC.

Two days training workshop on Grant Writing from 9-10 Sep, organized by Agricultural Innovation Program, ILRI in collaboration with CIMMYT, USAID and One World at NARC, Islamabad.

Under USDA/ICARDA project “Management of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) Disease through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Techniques by adopting Farmer Field School (FFS) approach” total 155 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and 106 Participatory Learning Groups (PLGs) were established in ten project districts of Punjab (6) and Sindh (4). Total 54 FFS facilitators involved to run this activity. The FFS and PLGs established in each district are 15 FFS & 10 PLGs in Bahawalnagar, 30 FFS & 20 PLGs in Bahawalpur, 15 FFS & 3 PLGs in DG Khan, 18 FFS & 18 PLGs in Khanewal and Multan each, 6 FFS & 6 PLGs in Vehari, 8 FFS & 4 PLGs in Khairpur Mirs, 15 FFS & 8 PLGs in Nawabshah, 15 FFS & 15 PLGs in Sanghar and 15 FFS & 10 PLGs in Umerkot.

Under a collaborative project entitled “Camel semen cryopreservation”, 2 male and 2 female camels were purchased from District Attock. Animal are passing through acclimatization phase before start of their training for semen donation in artificial vagina

Four days training on Strategic Vision from 15-18 Sep, organized by Pakistan Manpower Institute was attended by Scientists of various

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programmes of Animal Sciences Institute.

Scientists of AFP attended the fish training at Fathejhang with Fisheries Development Board (FDB) Islamabad on 24 Sep 2014.

An Inventory of Feeding Strategies for Dairy Goats in Pakistan and submitted to the Asian Australasian Dairy Goat Network, University Putra, Malaysia.

Three papers regarding FMD studies were presented in 5th International Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change from 9-11 Sep at Rawalakot, AJK.

Two posters have been prepared for presentation in Poultry Expo (IPEX, Pakistan) at Expo Centre, Johar Town, Lahore dated September 25-27, 2014.

Research paper titled “Enrichment of Farm-waste Compost with Rock Phosphate and its Effect on Rice Crop” has been written and submitted to international J. Communications in soil Science and plant nutrition USA. Provided trainings of RS & GIS to the 6 Internee of Fatima Jinnah Woman University, Islamabad

Imparted 8th Professional training workshop (25-27 Sept.) at Fateh Jang Field Station.

A chapter was published in the book Pre and postharvest pathology from ASLP Mango Production Project Research.

A Research article titled “Biological parameters and predatory potential of Menochilus sexmaculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae at three constant temperature levels” has been published in Pakistan Journal of Entomology.

A Research article titled “Functional response of Chrysoperla carnea Stephen (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed on cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) under laboratory conditions. Pakistan Journal of Zoology has been published.

A Research article titled “The impact of temperature on biological and life table parameters of Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chtysopidae) fed of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linneaus). J.Sans Malaysiana, has been published.

Seven trainees from Department of Structure and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture Faisalabad completed their internship in Bioremediation Engineering Technology.

Four students of different universities are carrying their research thesis at Food Product Development Institute (FSPDI), NARC. Two field days were managed at Chakwal district under ICARDA-USDA project for demonstrating beneficial role of micronutrients on peanut crop.

Two PhD students from PIASA, NARC Islamabad are completing their research work at LRRI.

No.F.1-3/2013-Dir(Tech)-CS Monthly...No.F.1-3/2013-Dir(Tech)-CS Pakistan Agricultural Research...

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