PM Shehbaz approves new NARC master plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a new master plan for the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), with the goal of restructuring the institution and aligning its research infrastructure with international standards. The plan involves dividing NARC into seven districts, establishing five Centres of Excellence, reference laboratories, bio-repositories, new research centres, a research park for the private sector, a centre for international cooperation, living laboratories, and a public discovery park.

Additionally, the plan aims to develop a comprehensive system for national-level crop estimates and promote organic agriculture to increase national exports and rural incomes. The Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27 is also receiving priority, focusing on various sectors including financial facilities for farmers, provision of agricultural machinery, modern technology and digitisation, increased research and capacity building, and food security.

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