By The Public Purview

FAISALABAD: The Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), a research centre of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), held a national field day on Thursday to promote high-value oil crops, particularly castor bean and sesame.

PAEC Highlights Role in Socioeconomic Development

Member (Science), PAEC, Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi, attended the event as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the commission has contributed to socioeconomic development through the peaceful use of nuclear technology and continues to support national goals in agriculture, health, energy and education.

Research Centres and Nuclear Hospitals Supporting Public Welfare

He highlighted that PAEC’s four agricultural research centres are working to address food security challenges, while its network of Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals and the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) provide diagnostic facilities and radio-pharmaceutical supplies for cancer treatment nationwide. He added that educational institutions such as PIEAS, KINPOE and CHASCENT are producing professionals for nuclear and related fields.

Reliable Energy Contribution from PAEC Nuclear Power Plants

Dr. Rofi also noted that six nuclear power plants operated by PAEC are currently supplying 3,530 MW of climate-friendly electricity to the national grid. He urged farmers to adopt safe agricultural practices and avoid harmful methods such as steroid use in livestock, stressing the need for honest practices and greater collaboration with research institutions.

NIAB Shares Research and Technology Transfer Efforts

Earlier, Prof. Dr. M. Yusouf Saleem, Director General (Agri & Biotech) PAEC, commended NIAB for organising the event. NIAB Director Dr. Uzma Maqbool briefed participants on technology transfer initiatives for castor bean and sesame and outlined the institute’s ongoing research. Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan, focal person for the crops, also delivered a presentation.

Farmers and Experts Visit Climate-Smart Crop Varieties

Experts from across the country, along with farmers, seed companies, researchers and industry representatives, attended the event. Participants visited climate-smart and high-yielding crop varieties developed at NIAB, including NIAB Gold, NIAB Spineless and NIAB Castor-2023.

At the end of the field day, pre-basic seed of NIAB’s castor bean and sesame varieties was distributed among progressive farmers.

Read related news here: https://greenpost.com.pk/category/pakistan/