24/08/2026
Director General Agriculture, Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Visits KOPIA Pakistan Center and NIGAB to Strengthen Collaboration in Seed Potato Development
Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Director General Agriculture, Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), visited the KOPIA Pakistan Center and the National Institute for Genomics & Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, to explore collaborative opportunities in seed potato development and advanced agricultural technologies.
At the KOPIA Pakistan Center, Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Khan met with Mr. Park Intae, Director KOPIA Pakistan Center; Dr. Aish Muhammad, Project Coordinator; Dr. Khalid Farooq, Seed Potato Expert; and Dr. Raja Mohib Muazzam Naz, Scientific Officer, NIGAB. The meeting focused on promoting the multiplication of high-quality seed potatoes in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Both sides also discussed the potential of AJK for disease-free seed potato production and opportunities for future collaboration in training, capacity building, demonstration trials, and technology transfer.
The Director General later visited NIGAB, where he met with Dr. Shaukat Ali, Director, NIGAB; Dr. Kazim Ali, PI, Pak–Korea PSDP Project; Dr. Iqbal Hussain; and Dr. Raja Mohib Muazzam Naz. Discussions emphasized strengthening cooperation in potato research, biotechnology, seed systems, and sustainable agricultural development.
The visit concluded with a tour of the tissue culture laboratory, aeroponic greenhouses, screen houses, and cold storage facilities. Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Khan appreciated the advanced research infrastructure and reaffirmed the commitment of KOPIA Pakistan Center, NIGAB, and the Agriculture Department of Azad Jammu & Kashmir to collaborate on sustainable seed potato production, technology dissemination, and capacity building for the benefit of potato growers in the region.