The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Pakistan sports Board (PSB) started spring Tree Plantation drive at Pakistan Sports Complex with an aim to provide clean, greener and healthier environment to players and people at this place. The joint venture for tree plantation is also aimed at promoting horticulture activities at the complex. The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada who planted Avocado Plant at the complex. On the occasion, olive and orange plants were also planted by Federal Secretary, Ministry of IPC, Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhary and Chairman PARC, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad at the site. Speaking on the occasion, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada said PARC was playing a pivotal role for self-sufficiency in agriculture sector as was a role model for public sector, so government departments must follow PARC in ensuring clean environment through various technologies, including bioremediation. Minister urged the Pakistan Sports Board (SPB) to plant olive, pine, bers and other fruit plants and precious trees in the premises of the complex to provide clean, greener and healthier environment. He was of the view that trees were very essential for sustainability of the world and offer a wide range of benefits to environment. He said he was promoting the vision of his leader and Prime Minister of Pakistan for clean and healthier environment for the people of the country. He however, criticized the Capital Development Authority for damaging the environment of Islamabad Capital Territory which was considered one of the naturally beautiful cities in the world. Minister said that he was working for the facility of International University and International Sport Complex in Pakistan. Minister appreciated the PARC work, new interventions and support in this tree plantation campaign. He also appreciated the PSB management and staff efforts for working on his vision of clean, green and healthy environment at PSC premises. He requested PARC to assist Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) for in fruits tree plantation on their land near National Library and Zero Point and other areas. On this occasion, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) said that there was dire need to plant fruit plants and other precious trees in our houses and convenience the people for urban horticulture to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables to meet their nutritional food requirements. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad said by planting fruit plants in the green belt of Islamabad city, fresh fruits could be produced for the residents of Islamabad city. He quoted the example of Hawana city of Cuba where fruits and vegetables are planted in green area of the city to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for city’s people. He shared the idea of kitchen gardening and rooftop horticulture. He said roof top horticulture also help to minimize the sun heat during summer season besides other benefits. He said through this activity we can get fresh and pesticides-free fruits and vegetables for our domestic use at household level. He stressed the need for PARC and CDA collaboration in bioremediation technology to clean waste water of Islamabad city at Roze and Yasmine Garden, Zeropoint and other places of the city and utilize this water for plantation and agriculture purposes. On this occasion, Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) said that joint venture of PSB and PARC for tree plantation was aimed at promoting horticulture activities at the complex. He said under this campaign 2000 fruit plants have been planted and appreciated Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, and his team for their contribution and support. A large number of people from all walk of life including high govt officials, agri. experts, women from Institute of Science and Humanities and media participated in the event.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:50:24 +0000