ISLAMABAD: Biozote is a distinguished biofertilizer produced by the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) which enriches Pakistan’s agricultural lands.
In addition, one of its co-production elements i.e. water is also a valuable addition to economy.
Director of Land Resources Research Institute (LRRI) Dr Tariq Sultan said in an interview with WealthPK that Biozote fertilizer is the conceit product of NARC to address multi-nutrient earth needs.
He said reverse osmosis (RO) water is used to prepare liquid fertilizers. It is also directly used as battery water, and with a little more value addition, it is used as a mineral enriched drinking water.
“Aqua PARC” is the first ever government-owned mineral water product. Dr Tariq said mineral enriched Aqua PARC is a standardised product competing any international brand. It is also certified by Pakistan standard and quality control. It is low in price compared with any other multinational brands, but compatible to international quality standards.
Dr Tariq said that NARC is introducing this product through public-private partnership. The PARC Agro Tech company (PATCO) is managing NARC’s commercial product part, while Solutions and Services company is at private end.
Moreover, he said that it is the core goal of NARC to research for better yields concerning food security. He said that it is also a part of the plan to place bio fertilizer units all over Pakistan.
“So, parallel to fertilizer production unit, RO water unit will be installed. It means that in an economic way, not only earth will get nourishment, human beings will also be hydrated. It is also more cost-effective than other international brands existing in Pakistani market. NARC is a step ahead to make farmers strong entrepreneurs by its agri-based multiple products i.e. mineral water and milling products,” he said.
As to the sustainability of the Aqua PARC product, Head of NARC Commercial Activity Segment Muhammad Imran told WealthPK that this project is capable to employ a good number of people.
“Only in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, almost 700 people are required to market and distribute the product. It is planned that gradually its production and distribution net will be enhanced all over Pakistan. It will help generate revenue for the government and a sustainable livelihood for people,” he said.
The product is also registered with Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority. This plant consists of two parts. A tube well takes out this water from more than 500 feet underground. Not any contaminated water source is found in the diameter of one kilometre around its well. Water is not stored anywhere, but it directly comes to the raw water tank. After that it is passed through RO tanks.
Minerals dossing is the next segment (calcium, magnesium and sodium). TDS (total dissolved solids) is also checked during dossing. Then it is shifted to product water tank.
INP/
