This is written by Amin Ahmed in an article published in Dawn.
Airplane - a groundless method of obtaining high-quality seeds in a greenhouse with a higher harvest and profit than traditional ways. The solution of nutrients is sprayed on plants through nozzles for feeding fertilizers and water. This technology is well suited for increasing tubers and facilitates the supply of oxygen into the root zone. The return on the initial investment in technology is quickly.
Currently, Pakistan imports about 15,000 tons of potatoes seeds from different countries, but the quality of seeds often cause doubts.
According to Dr. Muhammad Azima Khan, Chairman of the Pakistani Council of Agricultural Studies (PARC), the aircraft production technology of potato seeds gives hope for import substitution in a short time.
The aircraft method will increase the efficiency of potato production and reduce the number of cycles of breeding potato seeds, thereby reducing the threat to the health and quality of plants.
Thanks to the special interest of the South Korean ambassador, SANCPIO, the transfer of aircraft technology has become possible after the creation of the Korean International Cooperation Program in the field of agricultural technologies (KOPIA) in the National Center for Agricultural Research (NARC) in Islamabad in 2020.
In accordance with the agreement, the Kopia-Pakistan Center was created and an aeroponic greenhouse was built. The Agricultural Development Administration (RDA) of South Korea provided funds for this project.
The joint activities of Pakistan and South Korea will help to introduce innovations in agricultural technologies and methods of growing seeds, which will lead to popularization of "smart agriculture" and will increase, ultimately income of small farmers.
Potatoes in Pakistan is grown on an industrial scale and makes a significant contribution to GDP. It is grown both on high mountains and on the plains as a summer and winter culture, which reflects the importance of culture for the life support of a variety of farmers.
The average potato yield in Pakistan is lower than in other potato countries.
The production of certified seeds is limited and faced with technical, economic and managerial problems. According to the members of Parc, Dr. Shahid Hamid, most farmers rely on their own seeds, for which they do not have the necessary skills and technical knowledge.
(Source: www.dawn.com. Author: Amin Ahmed).