President Dr Arif Alvi has stressed the need for doing research for better seed of various crops especially rice and cotton to increase yield.

Addressing the 13th annual awards distribution ceremony of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan in Karachi, he said this step will reduce the production cost of these crops as well and become competitive in the regional, international markets.

The President said the government has introduced bills to ensure strong checks over sale of low standard seeds along with creating awareness among the farming community to use latest techniques of agriculture to increase yield.

He said the government has also fought for copy rights and protected Pakistani Basmati rice in international market.

Dr Arif Alivi underlined the need for alternative methods of irrigation to cope with increasing shortage of water in the country.