PERSONAL DETAILS

Name:                                     ABBAS, Syed Ghazanfar

Contact Address:                             136 Street 82 E-11/2 FECHS, Islamabad

E-Mail Address:                                guzniabbas@gmail.com

Contact Phone:                                   +92-51-9201239/+92-321-5001257

Nationality:                                        Pakistan / New Zealand

Date of birth:                                      28 January 1957

Martial status:                                   Married with one child

Specialization: Agricultural technologies evaluation and prioritization, Project Formulation of Technology and Innovative nature, Implementation of agri-based projects, R & D Management, Agricultural Training and Planning, Development of Agro-industry though Public-Private-Partnership, Conservation Agriculture, Analysing and distribution of agricultural farm equipment, and Use of Computers in Agriculture.

Highest Qualification: PhD from Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (1998)

Total work experience: 36 years (including 2 years in New Zealand, one and a half year in FAO-Italy, and six months in Iraq) FAO Index No. 328427. UNIDO Consultancy assignments in Afghanistan. Part-time Consultant to APAARI (on-going)

Current position: Sought pre mature retirement from PARC w.e.f. 01 September, 2015 and now available as Freelance Consultant

EXPERIENCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Focal Point: Part of the PARC Team that established Agrotech Company (Pvt) Limited – PATCO with aim to explore PARC’s innovative products marketing. It also addresses the future challenges of agro-technological development and shifting to commercial science based agriculture and protects scientist’s incentives for inventing new technologies.

Focal Point and Facilitator: Involved with PARC and CIMMYT Teams (Dr. Rick Ward) in evolution of Agriculture Innovation Program (AIP) seeking USAiD grant.

Focal Point: For IFPRI-PARC Consultative Meetings in all provinces for creating Agricultural Research Boards like in Punjab.

Focal Point: On an assignment from the Planning Commission of Pakistan to Dr. M E Tusneem for developing Vision 2030 (Agri part only)

Project Facilitator: On PARC Re-organization Team under the Asian Development Bank / ASPL-II / that engaged International Consultant.

Focal Point: For Training Course on Food Safety Management Systems in Taiwan during 3-7 October 2016, being co-organized by APAARI1, APO2, AND COA3, Taiwan.

Prepared a PC-1 to implement the “PARC Reform Agenda” that was approved by the PM of Pakistan wherein PARC Scientists were able to get revised special pay scales (SPS). PARC Institute of Advanced Studies in Agriculture (PIASA) was also established under this Reform Agenda.

Consultancies: i) FAO Consultant in Italy (18 months) for Global Farm Mechanization Data and Projections for 2025.

ii) Vision 2050, FAO-Pakistan Project Facilitator

iii) Vision 2030, Team Member with Dr. Tusneem on Pakistan Planning Commission assignment. (Agriculture Part only).

iv) FAO; Team Leader (Farm Mechanization) in Oil for Food Program in Iraq (2001)

v) Consultant in Afghanistan for UNIDO; Project Formulation on Agricultural Mechanization Project Proposal 2003

vi) Consultant in Afghanistan for UNIDO); Project Implementation of Farm Mechanization (2004)

vii) Consultant in Afghanistan for UNIDO; Training Programs for UNIDO Project Staff on Farm Mechanization Project (2005 and 2006)

viii) Consultant in Pakistan for FAO, Farm Mechanization Studies (2006)

1 Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes2 Asian Productivity Organization3 Council of Agriculture, Taiwan

ix) Opted for pre mature retirement from PARC, and based on my working I have been appointed as Member of National Technology Council of Higher Education Commission. It is an Honorary task that is limited to participating and contributing in various meetings that are held at HEC.

xi) Presently, Consultant with APAARI on Strategic Planning (2017-22) based on APAARI Vision-2030. Also doing various assignments for APAARI including facilitating of a “Expert Consultation on Successful Agri-Food Innovations in Asia and the Pacific “to be held in Taiwan from 1-3 November, 2016.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

PhD Thesis on ‘Development of an Expert System for Introducing No-Till Technology’. (1994-1998) from Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

M.Phil. (Agricultural Waste Management) (1992-1993) from Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering (1976-1980) from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

July 1985 to 01 September, 2016:

1. Voluntarily stopped working (to diversify my work after working 30 years in PARC) as Technical Staff Officer to Chairman, PARC with additional responsibilities as Director (Mechanization), and Plant Sciences Division as Director (Farm Operation Services). Brief job descriptions for above two positions are as under:

To link all National and International Agricultural Research and Development Institutes with PARC and ensure timely interactions as and when needed.

To facilitate arranging meetings with various Heads of the Institutions with Chairman, PARC or his associate Members.

To provide prototypes of new agro machinery to local vendors and arrange signing of MoU between the vendor and PARC;

Request, scan & reorganize briefs, reports, progress status, on technical and non-technical issues from various organs of PARC;

Prepare record notes and circulate to concerned; Follow up the decisions of the meetings; Plan and organize National and International seminars at PARC. Prepare agenda items, schedule and invitations for such meetings / seminars. Assist formation of PARC Agrotech Company Limited (PATCO) at PARC

for commercialization of PARC developed technologies. To scan project proposals, short-listing these for presentation to approving

authorities at appropriate level. To review proposed MoUs provide comments/feedback to signatories.

To conduct research studies to asses the problems / issues of agro industry in Pakistan;

Provide technical support to Chairman on various issues, documents, reports etc. whenever required;

Collect and compile information, briefs for meetings and present to the Chair; Give comments on technical, non-technical issues whenever required; Prepare drafts of letters of Chairman, replies, regrets, acknowledgements etc.; Any other special/confidential assignment from time to time.

As Principal Scientific Officer at Wheat Program, NARC, I am also responsible for:

In-charge of introducing Conservation Agriculture in Punjab where Raised Bed Plantation was introduced along with my other Wheat Program Colleagues.

Responsible to facilitate the fellow researchers in conducting their technical and operational field activities related to farm mechanization and agricultural research.

To conduct research studies to asses issues and problems in farm mechanization in the country and to make it environmentally friendly.

To evaluate technical performance of machinery related to cultivation. To devise techniques for reducing post-harvest losses. To devise technique for managing agricultural waste. Help, to disseminate locally developed wheat technologies among the end

users through demonstration and training programs. To be part of the team that develops and experiments new wheat sowing

technologies. To assist other team members in developing new projects for wheat program

at NARC. To liaison with the Farm Machinery Institute of NARC on conducting

industrial research in order to improve the quality of locally developed wheat related agricultural machinery.

Team-member for Grow More Wheat Media Campaign.

However, during this job, I have also worked for following assignments as well:

March-2001 to September-2001

Worked as a Team Leader (Farm Mechanization) for FAO-Iraq.

I have worked as Team Leader (Farm Mechanization) for FAO, Northern Iraq (based in Erbil) from March to September 2002. During this time I organized the farm mechanization sub sector activities in such a sustainable manner that with the assistance of local government(s), FAO-Iraq, Baghdad, as well as FAO, HQ things started moving I the right direction. Tractors and other implements were distributed, and their operational activities started in full swing. Though, I was offered extension in my contract but at times, due to my commitments at home with the Ministry of Agriculture, I had to decline the offer. However, now I am again available for a suitable position with Bethel Group.

February-1998 to May-1999

Worked as Consultant with the AGSE department in FAO (Rome). The work includes in the collection and processing of data for the Global Assessment of Farm Power for inclusion in the next FAO publication “Agriculture towards 2015/2030”.

1992 – February-1999

Full-time student and a part-time worker at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Duties included to:

Demonstrate, and part-time lecturing in the area of Agricultural machinery. Assist post-graduate students in setting-up their field tests Work on a seasonal basis with local farmers in the Manawatu area of New Zealand.

Since March 1994 until December 1997 my full time PhD program at Massey University had updated my knowledge of land management practices in New Zealand. My PhD program was in fact, a step forward in encouraging farmers to adopt conservation tillage practices at their farms. My PhD thesis was a good example of use of computers in agriculture.

July 1985 to Feb. 1992

Senior Engineer, Crop Maximization Program (CMP).

I was responsible for project implementation and facilitation in distribution of agricultural inputs received under the Italian Grant. The agricultural inputs were to be distributed to two provinces (Punjab and NWFP). I was also responsible for the evaluation of agricultural equipment distributed under CMP. My duties included:

To update data on the status of agricultural machinery in Pakistan. To update and revise data on agricultural machinery manufacturers in Pakistan. To link and assist NGOs seeking information regarding farm mechanization projects. To arrange and participate in organizing stalls, open-houses, and agricultural

machinery exhibitions. To prepare FMI activity reports on periodical basis. To work as a team member in research activities in the area of post harvest

management of agricultural produce. To work as a team member in research activities in the area of planting techniques. To work as a team member in activities related to setting standards for various farm

machines in Pakistan. 

March 1984 to July 1985

Senior Engineer, Allied Engineering & Services Ltd. Lahore (Pakistan)

I joined the assembler of Ford Tractors (Ms Allied Engineering) in Pakistan in March 1984, at Lahore. My job responsibility was to provide after-sale service to all tractors sold in the area of Punjab and NWFP. Dealer's development, spare parts supply and maintenance in this part of Pakistan was my responsibility.

Sep. 1981 to March 1984

Assistant Manger (Marketing & Sales), Pakistan Automobile Corporation

Worked as Assistant Manager (Marketing and Sales) in Pakistan Automobile Corp. which was lately privatised as Al-Ghazi Tractors Ltd.

June 1980 to Sep. 1981

Manager (Technical), Rural Supply Co-operative Corporation (RSCC) Lahore

Other Jobs:

1. During wheat harvesting seasons in Pakistan, (in three consecutive seasons) I have worked for private contractors operating Combine Harvesters. My job was to provide proper maintenance and operation of these combines harvesters.

2. During my studies in New Zealand, where I was a private student, I had worked in my own department that involved in demonstration, and part-time lecturing.

3. I was involved with other part-time jobs within Agricultural Engineering Department that varied in assisting post-graduate students in setting-up their field tests, operating agricultural equipment, and any other jobs assigned by the Head of Department.

4. I have worked on a seasonal basis with local farmers in New Zealand. I have operated tractors, and other agricultural implements at their farms.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Actively involved in community social activities. Arranging and organising functions, dinner parties, friendly matches. To contact farming community to know on the filed problems and try to

solve them. Travelling, Badminton, Hockey and cricket

MEMBERSHIPS:

1. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2. Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing Association (Club of Bologna, Italy)3. Pakistan Society of Agricultural Engineers.4. Pakistan-New Zealand Friendship Association, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

REFERENCES:

1. Dr. Amir Muhammed, Ex-Chairman, PARC < amir.muhammed@nu.edu.pk>2. Dr M E Tusneem, Ex-Chairman, PARC (mtusneem@yahoo.com)3. Prof. Robert Anderson, Ex-Pro-Vice Chancellor, Massey University, Palmerston

North, New Zealand <R.D.Anderson@massey.ac.nz>

PUBLICATIONS:

Policy papers:

1. Contributed in the Vision 2030 Document with the main author as Dr. Tusneem, Ex-Chairman, PARC

2. Paper on "The Custom hiring systems of Combine Harvesters in Pakistan". (for Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan now ZBTL in 1987)

3. As a Focal person for the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition, I have contributed “online” on the FAO website.

4. Chapter on “Stakeholders Mapping” in the Strategic Planning 2017-2022” for APAARI

Technical publications:

1. Technology transfer for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production under protected agriculture in uplands Balochistan, Pakistan. African Journal of Biotechnology: 10 (69), pp. 15538-15544. Azeem Khan, Muhammad Islam, Inam-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmad, Ghazfanar Abbas, and Mohammad Athar. (2011). Publish in Kenya

2. Farm Mechanization Needs of Sudan (Consultancy Report for Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Sudan), 2010.

3. Development and De-centralized Management of ARD Information Resources in Pakistan. A Paper Presented at APARIS Technical Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, 19-20 April 2008.

4. Alleviation of Poverty through Agriculture and Secondary Crop Development Pakistan. Paper presented at the UNCAPSA Regional Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, 21-22 November 2007.

5. Farm Equipment Study for two selected districts in Pakistan (December 2006)6. UNIDO Mission Report on Power-tillers in Afghanistan (March-2006)7. UNIDO-Mission Report on Use of Tractors in Afghanistan. (November 2005)8. “Farm Power Assessment 2015/2030” Case Study – Pakistan Paper presented at Agro-

Asia 2003 Conference in Lahore (7-8 October 2003).9. E-commerce in Agriculture by Using Expert Systems, Paper for thematic session: E-

COMMERCE FOR RURAL AREAS, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Science and Technology, Conference of E-Commerce and Development, 17-18 September, 2002, Islamabad (Pakistan).

10. Status and future Prospects of Farm Mechanization in Northern Iraq. July-2004, Journal of Science and Technology and Development, Islamabad, Pakistan.

11. Status of Farm Mechanization in Northern Iraq, End of the Assignment Report. A report submitted to FAO-Rome in September-2001.

12. Conservation Agriculture and Performance of Irrigated Wheat Farms Across Canal Commands in Indus Basin, Pakistan Paper presented in an International Conference on Conservation Agriculture for Food Security and Environment Protection in Rice – Wheat Cropping Systems (6-9 February, 2001). Lahore, Pakistan.

13. Influence of Zero-Tillage Technology for Improving Wheat Production in Pakistan. A paper published in the proceeding of an International AgroEnvo-2000 Conference in Turkey.

14. Major Sources of Dairy Products and Agricultural Technology. In: The Monthly Overseas, Published from Islamabad, and Karachi. April/May-2000. (Copy missing)

15. Introducing No-Till Technology through Computer-Based Expert System. A paper published in the Journal of Science and Technology and Development, Islamabad, Pakistan.

16. Participated and contributed in developing Curriculum of Agricultural Engineering for B.Sc./B.E. (Revised 2001) for University Grant Commission.

17. Managing Technology Change: Zero-Tillage in Pakistan. In: Agricultural Mechanization in Asia. Vol. 30(4), 1999.

18. “The Expected Global Farm Mechanization Needs for 2015-2030” A comprehensive report submitted to FAO-Rome in May-1999.

19. “Agricultural Labour Force Projections - 2015-2030” An interim report submitted to FAO-Rome (February to April, 1998).

20. “Global Statistics for Agricultural Tractors” A briefing note for the Director General, FAO, AGSE. August- 1988.

21. PhD Thesis on “Development of a Computer-based Decision Support System for Introducing No-Till Technology” Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (February-1998).

22. An Expert System for Assessing Soil Tillage Requirements for Crop Establishment. In: AI Applications: Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Science Vol. 12, 1-3, 1998. Pp. 65-66.

23. Analyzed and prepared a General Report of the Survey (October-November 1996) on “Environmental and Waste Assessment”. The report was summarized under a project of The Manakau City Council and UNITEC Institute of Technology (New Zealand) in May, 1997. (Copy not available)

24. An Expert System for Assessing Soil Tillage Requirement for Crop Establishment. Paper presented at Conference on Engineering in Agriculture and Food Processing, 1996 University of Queensland, Gatton College, Australia. (24-27 November, 1996).

25. Managing Technology Change: Zero-Tillage in Pakistan. Paper presented in 3rd. New Zealand Postgraduate Conference for Engineering and Technology Students at University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand (1996).

26. No-Till Expert (NOTE) System. Paper presented in Agricultural Engineering 4 th. Postgraduate Student’s Conference, Massey University, Agricultural Engineering Department. (1996).

27. Effects of Shallow Soil-injected Animal Blood on Pasture Growth and Soil Nitrogen. In: Biosource Technology 53(1995) 73-78.

28. Development of an Expert System for Conservation Tillage. Paper presented at 2nd. New Zealand Postgraduate Conference for Engineering and Technology Students at Auckland University, New Zealand (1995).

29. Validation of No-Till Expert (NOTE) System. Paper presented and published at 5th. Postgraduate Student’s Conference, Massey University, Agricultural Engineering Department. (1997).

30. Effects of Soil Nitrogen Following Shallow Injection of Animal Blood. Paper presented in 1994 Conference on Engineering in Agriculture, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand (1994).

31. Development of a computer based decision support system for introducing No-Tillage technology. Paper presented in Agricultural Engineering Postgraduate Student’s Conference, Massey University, Agricultural Engineering Department. (1994). (Copy not available)

32. Production of Fuelwood from the Irrigation of Liquid Wastes onto Short Rotation Forestry Plantation. Co-author of paper presented at The Inaugural New Zealand Postgraduate Conference for Engineering and Technology Students (18-19 August, 1994).

33. Effects of subsoil injected animal blood on pasture growth and soil nitrogen. Paper presented in Agricultural Engineering Postgraduate Student’s Conference, Massey University, Agricultural Engineering Department (1993). (Copy not available)

34. Interactions between subsoil injections of animal blood, pasture growth and soil nitrogen. M.Phil thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

35. "Improving Life of Youth through Crop Maximization" PARC News Vol. 11 No. 9, pp. 3-7.