Peshawar
Secretary Agriculture Dr. Muhammad Bakhtiar Khan said that certified and healthy seed plays a fundamental role in achieving quality agricultural production. He stated that high-quality, disease-free seeds with better genetic traits not only increase per-acre yield but also improve overall crop health and farmers income. He expressed these views during his detailed visit to Sugar Crops Research Institute Mardan and Seed Multiplication Farm Jamra Takht Bhai, where he reviewed various activities related to agricultural research, biological pest control, seed improvement, and wheat harvesting campaign.
During the visit, Dr. Bakhtiar Khan inaugurated cultivation of a Sugarcane Fuzz nursery under the Sugarcane Breeding Section at the Sugar Crops Research Institute Mardan. Director General Agriculture Extension Dr. Muhammad Naveed Khan and other relevant officials were also present on the occasion. Officials described the initiative as an important step toward developing improved and high-yield sugarcane varieties, promoting quality genetic material and advancing modern agricultural research.
During the briefing, Agriculture Secretary was informed about ongoing research activities, future plans and institute’s role in agricultural development. A comprehensive technical presentation was also delivered on sugarcane breeding, development of new varieties, control of diseases and harmful pests, biological control methods, soil fertility analysis and application of modern agricultural technologies.
Appreciating the institute’s research services, Dr. Bakhtiar Khan said that agricultural research is foundation of sustainable agricultural development, increased per-acre productivity and provision of quality facilities to farmers. He also visited Biological Control and Soil Laboratories where he received detailed briefings on ongoing scientific experiments, laboratory analytical systems and biological pest management programs.
Later, Secretary Agriculture inaugurated wheat harvesting campaign at the Seed Multiplication Farm Jamra Takht Bhai and formally initiated wheat harvesting in the field. He inspected various sections of the Trichogramma Rearing Facility Laboratory and received briefings regarding activities being carried out in each section.
On the occasion, he appreciated the performance of officers, staff and issued necessary directives for the effective use of technology, further improvement of facilities, and ensuring that farmers receive maximum benefits from these initiatives.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of wheat harvesting season, Dr. Bakhtiar Khan reiterated that certified and healthy seed is essential for quality agricultural production. He said that seeds possessing superior genetic traits and resistance to diseases not only enhance crop yields but also improve crop health and farmers earnings. “Healthy seed is the guarantee of higher production,” he remarked, urging farmers to obtain quality seed from authentic sources in order to achieve agricultural development goals.
In addition, Dr. Muhammad Bakhtiar Khan visited the office of the District Director Agriculture Extension Mardan. On this occasion, District Director Agriculture Extension Mardan Dr. Pir Muhammad gave a detailed briefing on the Trichogramma Mass Rearing Facility, highlighting its importance in controlling harmful pests and protecting crops through biological methods.
