📝 Event: International Symposium (ND2): New Dimensions in Seed Potato Production organized by Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea.

Event Details:

Pakistan’s potato industry is expanding steadily; however, limited availability of certified, disease-free seed remains a critical constraint to sustainable productivity. To meet domestic demand, the country continues to rely on substantial annual imports of seed potatoes, estimated between 8,000 and 15,000 tons. Strengthening local seed multiplication systems is therefore essential for enhancing national self-sufficiency and crop resilience.

The introduction of aeroponic seed potato production systems at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), in collaboration with international partners including the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA, Republic of Korea), has created new opportunities for rapid and high-efficiency seed multiplication. Compared with conventional propagation methods that typically produce 4–6 mini-tubers per plant, aeroponic systems are capable of generating approximately 40–50 mini-tubers per plant under controlled conditions. This technology significantly accelerates multiplication rates while improving seed health and uniformity.

This two-day symposium aims to convene national and international experts, researchers, private seed enterprises, policymakers, and development stakeholders to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in the potato seed sector. Key thematic areas include:

✅ Advances in aeroponic and rapid multiplication technologies.
✅ Seed quality assurance, certification frameworks, and traceability systems.
✅ Integrated pest management (IPM), climate-resilient varieties, and adaptation strategies.
✅Post-harvest handling, storage technologies, and value preservation.
✅Sustainable business models, public–private partnerships (PPPs), regulatory frameworks, and seed distribution networks.

The symposium seeks to promote innovation, policy alignment, and coordinated efforts to enhance certified seed availability, improve productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistan’s potato sector.

📅 Date: April 1-2, 2026

📍 Venue: NARC-PARC, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad

⏳ Deadline: 16 March 2026