Punjab Agriculture Department

PARB has launched various schemes for the benefit of stakeholders which are advertised in the press twice in a year. The criteria of funding for different opportunities and proformas for submission of applications are available at PARB website http://parb.punjab.gov.pk

One of the main opportunities for the scientists of Agricultural Research System (ARS) of Punjab is to seek grants for research projects. The PARB finances demand-based research on high priority issues to resolve the problems being faced by the agricultural stakeholders of the Punjab. The research is being funded through ADP scheme entitled “Funding of High Priority Research through Competitive Grant System (CGS)”. Various themes, representing the sector-level outputs of high priority issues have been developed for the agricultural sector. These outputs called Themes are:

These themes provide general direction for the researchers to gear up their activities towards those outputs. The sub-themes under each theme and researchable issues under each sub-theme have been identified through consultative meetings and diagnostic surveys. All the Themes with sub-themes and researchable issues have been got cleared from the Executive Committee (EC) and are available on PARB Website. Before funding, each project is cleared by Technical Working Group (TWG), recommended by the Executive Committee and approved by the Governing Body of PARB.

PARB provides travel grant to the scientists of the ARS to present their research papers in meetings of the professional bodies abroad. The travel grant covers return air fare, visa fee, registration fee, insurance and perdiem as per policy of Government of the Punjab. Before funding, each case is cleared by the Executive Committee of PARB.

Holding of workshops/seminars and meetings of the professional bodies helps in networking and dissemination of research results and provide a forum to discuss innovations for the awareness of agriculture stakeholders. PARB provides funds to hold international workshops/seminars and meetings of the professional bodies to the agriculture research and educational institutions. The grant covers expenses on account of sponsoring upto 5 foreign delegates, publication of proceedings and electronic publicity. Before funding, each case is cleared by the Executive Committee of PARB.

Publication of research paper in international journals is a matter of pride for the scientist but most of the research conducted by the scientists of the ARS is not published as it costs too much. PARB provides funds to encourage the scientists of the Punjab ARS for publication of their research papers in the international journals. Before funding, each case is cleared by the Executive Committee of PARB.

Publication of technical book is a matter of pride for the scientist but most of the time the scientists of the ARS are unable to publish their experiences and important scientific innovations as it costs too much. PARB provides funds to encourage the scientists of the Punjab ARS for publication of their technical books for the benefit of the farmers, scientists and students. The technical books are published after their peer review by a panel of three experts. Before funding, each case is cleared by the Executive Committee of PARB.

In order to encourage and recognize the achievements of the outstanding research performers, PARB grants award and prizes amounting up to Rs. 100,000/- for each scientist. Before awarding the prizes, each nomination is reviewed by a panel of experts, cleared by the Executive Committee and approved by the Governing Body of PARB.

For introduction and promotion of readymade technologies in the province PARB provides funds on cost sharing basis to import new technologies (such as germplasm, hybrids, genes, machines, management technologies, processes, software, chemical materials, books, e-journals, etc.). The end users can also submit proposals for import of other technologies. PARB in association with the private sector has identified five such technologies for import. These include;

Roller ginning technology to preserve the quality and staple length of ginned cotton.
Super-critical extraction technology for extraction of essential oils and extracts of herbs and spices.
Cryogenic grinding technology for grinding of herbs and spices to prevent volatilization of essential oils and aromatic characters.
Mechanical pruning technology for shaping of mango and citrus orchards.
Continuous Solar Drying technology for paddy and other cereal crops using far infra-red radiation.

Before funding, each proposal for import of technology is reviewed by a panel of experts, cleared by the Executive Committee and approved by the Governing Body of PARB.