At NSTHRI Thatta, programs on improved sugarcane varieties, the operational sugarcane crossbreeding facility, and the production of disease-free banana plantlets through tissue culture were reviewed. MNA Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi and Member of the Standing Committee on Ministry of National Food Security and Research (NFS&R), appreciated the institute’s contributions and urged the need to further accelerate the dissemination of  NSTHRI’s technologies so that a greater number of end users could benefit from these advancements. Chairman PARC emphasized accelerating varietal evaluation, strengthening climate-resilient breeding, and improving technology dissemination to farmers.

The team examined research trials at AZRC Umer Kot, on ispaghol, chickpea, mustard, adaptive fodders, pulses, medicinal plants, and fruit orchards suited to arid conditions. Facilities reviewed included livestock units, renewable energy-based drying technologies, organic fertilizer production, and agro forestry blocks. Chairman PARC commended the center’s applied research under dryland conditions and advised the scientists to develop project proposals for PSDP (2025-26) and emphasized the need to strengthen commercialization and outreach activities through PATCO across Sindh.

Internship certificates were also presented to the students of Sindh Agriculture University, subcampus Umer Kot, upon successful completion of their training at AZRC.