Directorate of Soil and Plant Nutrition-DSPN

The Honorable Secretary Agriculture, Dr. Muhammad Bakhtiar, accompanied by Director General Agriculture Extension, Dr. Muhammad Naveed Khan, Director and Deputy Director of Plant Protection and Agriculture Information, paid a detailed visit to Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab Peshawar. During the visit, Dr. Farida Anjum delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing research and developmental activities at the Directorate of Soil and Plant Nutrition-DSPN.

The Secretary Agriculture visited the Biofertilizer and Biopesticides Laboratories, where he was briefed on environmentally friendly agricultural products, their effectiveness, production processes, and current advancements. It was highlighted that these innovative biological products are playing a vital role in improving soil fertility, enhancing crop productivity, and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

The Secretary Agriculture appreciated the ongoing research initiatives, dedication of the scientists, and efforts being made to promote modern agricultural technologies at the institute. He expressed satisfaction over the progress being achieved and emphasized that research and innovation are indispensable for the development of the agriculture sector. He further remarked that the process of innovation must never stop, as it forms the foundation of sustainable agriculture for the future.

Two-Day Hands-On LC-MS/MS Training (05–06 May, 2026) successfully conducted at the Directorate of Soil and Plant Nutrition, ARI Tarnab, Peshawar, in collaboration with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar.
The training was graced by the presence of Dr. Farida Anjum, Director, Soil and Plant Nutrition and Mrs. Umbarin Latif, Senior Research Officer, while expert sessions were delivered by Dr. Zulqarnain, Research Officer. The coordination and collaborative efforts between DSPN and SBBWU, led by Dr. Nargis Jamila, Chairperson, Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Zahida Wasil, Assistant Professor, contributed to the successful ex*****on of this program.
Participants gained practical and theoretical insights into LC-MS/MS, including instrument fundamentals, method setup, data interpretation, processing, and troubleshooting.

A group of students and faculty members from the Entomology Department, The University of Agriculture Peshawar visited the Pesticide Chemistry Section, Directorate of Soil and Plant Nutrition on May 06, 2026. During the visit, the participants were introduced to the section’s mandate, ongoing research activities, and emerging areas of study in pesticide chemistry. Practical demonstrations were conducted on pesticide residue analysis and QuEChERS-based sample preparation in accordance with AOAC and EN standards. The session also included an overview of the working principles and analytical applications of GC-ECD and GC-MS systems.

Mr. Muhammad Adnan Zehri, CEO, Hara Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. Karachi, along with Dr. Omer Farooq, Hara Pakistan Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Jawad Khalil, Assistant Director (Plant Protection), Agriculture Extension, and Mr. Masood ur Rahman, Additional Director General (Plant Protection), Agriculture Extension Peshawar, visited the Directorate of Soil & Plant Nutrition (DSPN) for a productive and insightful meeting on matters of mutual interest.
The discussion focused on the development of model organic farming in Chitral, emphasizing sustainable soil fertility management and the use of organic and biofertilizer technologies. The visiting delegation expressed keen interest in the Directorate’s ongoing work in soil health, quality analysis, and promotion of eco-friendly agricultural inputs.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities for future collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical field-level implementation of innovative approaches. Such interactions reflect a strong commitment toward sustainable agriculture, improved soil health, and enhanced farmer support systems in Pakistan.

Mr. Ijaz ul Haq (Research Officer, Soil Chemistry), Directorate of Soil and Plant Nutrition, ARI Tarnab, delivered a series of lectures to third-year internship students from the Agriculture Services Academy enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture Science (DAS-III). As part of a 45-day continuous training program, the students are being trained in various soil science and soil chemistry protocols and analytical techniques.

5 فروری 2026 کو یوم یکجہتی کشمیر کے موقع پر سوائل اینڈ پلانٹ نیوٹریشن اے آر آئی ترناب کی ڈائریکٹر، افسران اور سرکاری عملے نے اجتماع اور واک میں حصہ لیا۔

Mrs. Umbarin Latif, SRO (Pesticide Chemistry), Directorate of Soil and Plant Nutrition, ARI Tarnab, spoke on “Safe Alternatives to Synthetic Pesticides” in the program Karwanda, aired on 02 February 2026 and broadcast live on Radio KP (FM 92.2). She thoroughly discussed the adverse effects of excessive use of synthetic pesticides on crops and consumer health, and also highlighted the importance and application of safe alternative pest management options for the betterment of farmers and consumers.