Project assistance completion report : strengthening of agricultural research in Pakistan

After early implementation difficulties requiring project redesigns and extensions, the project was successfully completed. Along with restructuring the PARC to help it set policy and a research agenda, key project accomplishments include: construction and equipping of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and of nine specialized research laboratories thereat; training of 282 researchers, engineers, and NARC administrators in nondegree, M.Sc., and Ph.D programs in Pakistan and abroad; conduct of nationally coordinated research programs in crops, livestock, soil science, water management, etc.; development and implementation of a methodology for genetic improvement of wheat, rice, and maize; five reports on farming systems for wheat, rice, and oil crops; testing of research findings through on-farm trials and extension activities; establishment of a station development and Farm Operations Division, a system for providing technical support to researchers, and efficient interaction with provincial research centers and universities. Farm yields for key commodities have increased significantly. Unplanned positive project results include: substantial funding and TA from other donors; good linkages with international research institutions; extensive research publications in English and pamphlets in Urdu for farmers; establishment of a technology transfer unit which fosters farmer-researcher links and sponsors farmer training; and effective information dissemination, documentation, and audiovisual services. The project"s success is due to A.I.D."s refusal to give up on the project, despite initial poor performance, and its willingness to adjust project design to local conditions. Follow-up activities to consolidate project achievements and, in particular, extend them to provincial research institutes, are funded under the Management of Agricultural Research and Technology (3910489) and Transformation and Integration of Provincial Agricultural Network (3910488) projects. Despite the project"s success, improvements are needed in several areas: better control over TA and training; more funding for research and higher salaries; improved research planning, coordination, and evaluation; strengthened linkages among research institutes (in-country and abroad), with extension and educational agencies, and directly with small farmers.