The Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) will get financial support from the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in order to expand its research outreach to farmers' doorsteps and enhance their livelihood opportunities throughout the country. In this context, ZTBL will work with PARC to scale up the unique farming technology developed by PARC in order to revolutionise the agricultural industry and increase crop yields per acre.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative relationship in promoting and implementing the most recent agricultural technologies, best crop management techniques, and agriculture mechanisation for enhancing farm productivity and for the benefit of the farming community.

In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the PARC and the ZTBL will collaborate to organise webinars, field days, seminars, and workshops to raise the standard of living for farmers by disseminating the most recent advancements in the agricultural industry. Both parties will also establish partnerships to run joint ventures, pilot projects, and research projects.

Additionally, they will set up demonstration plots, conduct research trials on cutting-edge agricultural equipment, agronomic techniques, and crop diversification, and ZTBL will host Zarai Baithaks (agricultural gatherings) as part of an integrated approach. They will also invite PARC experts to participate in their research outreach for the benefit of the farming community in various locations across the country.

In accordance with the agreement, PARC will also help ZTBL train bank employees and build their capacity in agricultural technology, dairy management, and improved agricultural technology. It will also offer technical support and direction for the conversion of ZTBL Farm Islamabad into an agriculture tourism hub.

The PARC will also assist the bank in creating and developing new agricultural loan products as well as adding value to already-existing loanable credit products to support the growth of the agriculture sector. The PARC also shares its research outputs with manufacturers, agricultural equipment suppliers, and forward-thinking farmers across the country.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk