Solutions to farming issues now online

UAF develops soil test to determine nitrogen, phosphorus requirements for high yield crops


Our Correspondent August 28, 2015
UAF develops soil test to determine nitrogen, phosphorus requirements for high yield crops. PHOTO: FILE

FAISALABAD:


The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and the Agriculture Department have developed a soil test-based fertiliser prediction model to help farmers determine the nitrogen and phosphorous requirements for desirable yields of wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice and maize crops, Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said at a media briefing at the university on Friday.


He said the programme had been developed with funds and technical support from the USAID and the ICARDA (International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas). Details of the test can be accessed on www.fertilizeruaf.pk.

He said the university was working on web-based solutions for site-specific issues and economical crop production technology for farmers. The solutions would be tailored for farmers according to the size of the land and their financial resources.

At present, the university has developed models and web-based solutions for farmers in Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Okara and Layyah. Details of the university’s work can be accessed on ww.kissandost.pk.

The VC said farmers could invest in these solutions according to their financial resources and earn up to Rs100,000 per acre from arable crops and up to Rs400,000 per acre from high-value farming.

He said the website also carried weather forecast for five days and market rates of agriculture commodities.

Dr Muhammad Rashid, the principal investigator of both projects, said farmers could also call the university’s toll-free number 0800-54726 for more details.

French attaché visits GCUF

The Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) and the French embassy will hold a conference in November to promote cordial relations between the two countries, French Attaché in Pakistan Alban Schwerer and Vice Chancellor Muhammad Ali said on Friday. They met at the university and discussed various areas of cooperation in the field of education.

Schwerer said Pakistan and France enjoyed excellent social, cultural, educational and economic ties. He said many Pakistani students were studying in French universities and the HEC and the French Higher Education Department had several student exchange programmes.

Schwerer said some of the most prominent areas of research interest were religion and Sufism.

Ali and Schwerer said a seminar would be held at the university where French Ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance would inform students about Pak-French relations and potential areas of collaboration. They said students will also be given information on how to get admission to French universities. The GCUF will also celebrate French Culture Day and a French Day later this year.

Ali suggested that French Alumni Centres could be established in Faisalabad.

He said the university and the French government could sign MoUs to enhance cordial relations and introduce dual degrees and joint degree programmes.

The VC announced that the university would soon start a French language course for its undergraduate students and look to open a French centre in Faisalabad. “Special focus would be given to collaboration in food sciences and social sciences…female students would be encouraged to apply to French universities for higher studies.”

Schwerer said between 20 and 30 indirect student scholarships would be offered for students at the GCUF. However, students would have to bear living expenditures. They would also look to start new research programmes at the GCUF, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2015.

 

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