The Agricultural Innovation Program for Pakistan (AIP), led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) set up a stall at the DAWN Pakistan Agri Expo in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan on 3-4 May, 2018. CIMMYT presented the successes in agricultural technologies and provided a platform for Pakistani farmers, government and other stakeholders to explore and connect to innovative technologies for improvement of major cereal crops of Pakistan and other linked products and services.
The main attractions were maize and wheat varieties introduced by CIMMYT through its programs across Pakistan (Zincol, Pakistan, Borlaug, Pirsabak and QPM – 200/300 & white), the Zero-Tillage Happy Seeder, the maize push row planter, hermetic bags for storage of wheat and the multi-crop direct-seeding of rice planter. The AIP also exhibited its two competitive grant academic partners from livestock and vegetable components which include value addition of camel milk (dries and fresh cheese) and seasonal vegetable kitchen gardening (chilies, okra, squash, bell pepper) focusing food security and nutrition significance.1
The expo was inaugurated by Governor of Punjab province, Rafique Rajwana accompanied by Mission Director of USAID Pakistan Mr. Jerry Bisson, and diplomates from different countries. AIP stall located at U.S. Government pavilion represented by USAID & USDA, also spellbound many visitors including farmers, policymakers, media, agriculture experts and scientists from both public- and private-sector organizations and students, opening new possibilities for AIP and CIMMYT to connect with target groups and explore agricultural prospects in Pakistan.
See all the photos from the event on Flickr, here.
The Agriculture Innovation Program for Pakistan (AIP) is managed by a consortium of CGIAR Centers and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to foster emergence of a dynamic, responsive, and competitive system of science and innovation in Pakistan. AIP seeks to catalyze equitable growth in agricultural production, productivity, and value.
