The National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) is a state-of-the-art research facility located in Islamabad. It was established in 1984 to promote and advance agricultural research and development in the country.
Graana.com provides details on the different departments and facilities of NARC below.
History of NARC
In 1968 and 1973, a joint Pakistan-American Research Review Team evaluated the agricultural research system in Pakistan.
The team recommended expanding the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which was the successor of the Food and Agriculture Committee (FAC), which was established in 1948, and the Food and Agricultural Council of Pakistan (FACP), which was established in 1951. It granted a national coordinating role for basic research.
Furthermore, the decision-makers decided to establish a national research center near Islamabad to achieve this goal. Eventually, they designated it the Pakistan Agricultural Research Center, which was later changed to the National Agricultural Research Center.
Although they started constructing NARC in 1975, they formally laid its foundation stone in March 1980. The then-president of Pakistan inaugurated and chartered the center in March 1984.
It is the premier research establishment of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) at the federal level NARC covers a total area of approximately 1396 acres and is located near Rawal Lake, six kilometres southeast of Islamabad.
Significance of NARC
NARC’s crop, animal, natural resources, and social sciences divisions play a significant role in the national agricultural research system, utilising an experimental farm area of about 1400 acres to conduct research on more than 120 commodities.
The centre has 98 well-equipped laboratories, and qualified manpower in every sub-sector of agriculture has been trained through local and foreign training programs. Moreover, NARC also hosts national and international seminars and conferences on different aspects of agricultural research, and it maintains linkages with internationally renowned centres and institutions in its pursuit of high-quality research.
Its information centre provides up-to-date data and online resources of international research journals, which are used by scientists and university students from all over the country.
The Polytechnic Institute at NARC collaborates with national and international institutes/agencies to organise frequent training courses for agricultural scientists, extension workers, farmers etc., imparting the latest knowledge on different aspects of agricultural production.
Departments of National Agricultural Research Centre
NARC comprises the following departments.
The Department of Agronomy
The Department of Agronomy is responsible for developing and implementing innovative agronomic practices that improve the quality and quantity of crop yields. It carries out research on different crops, including wheat, rice, maize, and pulses.
It also conducts experiments to determine the optimum planting times, seed rates, and fertiliser application rates for various crops in different regions of the country.
Additionally, the department has well-equipped laboratories where researchers conduct experiments on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and crop management. It also has a fully-functional field research station where they test the performance of different crop varieties and evaluate their resistance to pests and diseases.
The Department of Horticulture
The Department of Horticulture is responsible for conducting research on fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops. It develops and introduces new varieties of fruits and vegetables that are resistant to pests and diseases, and have better taste and nutritional value.
The department also carries out research on post-harvest handling and processing of fruits and vegetables to reduce losses and improve their quality. It works closely with farmers to help apply the latest technologies and practices to the field, and to provide technical assistance to improve the productivity of their farms.
The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics
The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics is responsible for developing new crop varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and have improved yield and quality. It uses modern biotechnological tools and techniques to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant crop varieties.
It also improves crops’ nutritional quality by developing varieties with higher protein and vitamin content. Other research institutions collaborate with the department to develop new genetic markers and tools that can accelerate crop improvement programs.
The Department of Entomology
The Department of Entomology is responsible for conducting research on insects and other arthropods that affect crops. It develops and implements integrated pest management strategies that use a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control measures to reduce pest populations and minimise the use of pesticides.
The department also conducts research on the biology and behaviour of different insect species to develop new control measures that are effective and sustainable. It works closely with farmers to educate them on pest identification and control.
The Department of Plant Pathology
The Department of Plant Pathology is responsible for conducting research on plant diseases and developing control strategies that reduce crop losses. It develops and implements disease management strategies that use a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control measures to reduce disease incidence and severity.
The department also conducts research on the biology and genetics of plant pathogens to develop new control measures that are effective and sustainable. It works closely with farmers to educate them on disease identification and control.
The Department of Agricultural Economics
The Department of Agricultural Economics is responsible for conducting research on the economic aspects of agriculture, including market analysis, price forecasting etc.
It also conducts research on the socio-economic impact of different agricultural policies and programs on farmers, consumers, and the economy as a whole. It works closely with policymakers to provide evidence-based recommendations that help improve the efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Facilities and Services at NARC
Apart from the different departments, NARC also offers a range of facilities and services. These are beneficial for researchers, farmers, and students. Some of these include:
Library
The National Agricultural Research Centre houses one of the largest agricultural libraries in Pakistan. It contains a vast collection of books, journals, and research papers related to agriculture and allied fields.
The library is open to the public, including researchers, students, and farmers, and provides access to online databases, e-books, and other resources. The staff at the library is highly trained and can assist users in finding the information they need.
Conference Rooms
The conference rooms at NARC, which are available for renting for seminars, workshops, and meetings. These rooms are equipped with modern facilities, including multimedia projectors, sound systems, and internet connectivity.
The rooms are spacious and can accommodate a large number of people. They are ideal for researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to come together and discuss the latest developments in the field of agriculture.
Laboratories
Highly trained technicians and researchers staff well-equipped laboratories at NARC, which are used for research and testing purposes. The laboratories are equipped with modern equipment and facilities for soil analysis, plant tissue culture, genetic engineering, and other research areas.
They can assist with experiments and testing. The labs are available for use by researchers, students, and other stakeholders who need to conduct research.
Greenhouses
Researchers use several greenhouses at NARC to study the effects of different environmental factors on plant growth and development. NARC equips the greenhouses with climate control systems, irrigation systems, and other facilities necessary for plant growth.
They can use them to grow various plant species under controlled conditions. NARC also uses them for agricultural research purposes, such as seed production and plant breeding.
Farm Machinery and Equipment
The NARC maintains a fleet of farm machinery and equipment that researchers and farmers can use for testing and demonstration purposes. Farmers and researchers use the machinery available at NARC. It includes tractors, harvesters, cultivators, and other equipment, for testing new agricultural technologies and practices before introducing them to farmers.
Additionally, they utilize the machinery for demonstration purposes. It involves showing farmers how to use new equipment and techniques to improve their yields and profitability.
Training and Consultancy Services
NARC offers training and consultancy services to farmers, students, and other stakeholders. These cover a range of topics, including crop management, pest control, post-harvest handling, and marketing.
NARC design the courses to provide participants with the skills and knowledge they need to improve their agricultural practices and increase their profitability. Furthermore, their aim is to help farmers and other stakeholders address specific agricultural problems and challenges they may be facing.
Conclusion
The National Agricultural Research Centre in Islamabad is an important research facility. It plays a critical role in the development and advancement of the agricultural sector in Pakistan. The different departments and facilities at NARC offer a range of services that are beneficial for researchers, farmers, and students.
On the other hand, the center commits to conducting cutting-edge research, developing new technologies and practices. It is collaborating with national and international organizations to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
FAQ’s
Q: What is NARC?
A: NARC stands for National Agricultural Research Centre. It is a premier research establishment of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) at the federal level.
Q: Where is NARC located?
A: NARC is located near Rawal Lake, six kilometres southeast of Islamabad, Pakistan. It has a total land area of approximately 1396 acres.
Q: What research areas are covered by NARC?
A: The component divisions of the crop, animal, natural resources. Also, social sciences play a pivotal role in the national agricultural research system. NARC undertakes research on more than 120 commodities.
Q: Can the NARC library be accessed by the public?
A: Yes, the NARC library is open to the public and provides access to online databases, e-books, and other resources.
Q: Does NARC have conference rooms available for rent?
A: Yes, several conference rooms at NARC are available for renting for seminars, workshops, and meetings.
Q: Does NARC provide farm machinery and equipment for testing and demonstration purposes?
A: Yes, Researchers and farmers can use a fleet of farm machinery and equipment at NARC for testing and demonstration purposes. The machinery includes tractors, harvesters, cultivators, and other equipment.
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