Graduation: Rajwana stresses increased use of technology in agriculture

Punjab governor addresses arid agriculture varsity convocation, awards 53 PhD degrees

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana has stressed the need for turning calamities into opportunities.

Addressing 17th convocation of the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAU) here on Saturday, called on agriculture students and researchers to work hard to change fate of farmers by introducing technologies and new methods of farming.

Rajwana lauded contributions the university has made in arid and mountain agriculture and hydroponics.

The governor said that agriculture was the backbone of country’s economy, making up 22 per cent of the GDP and absorbing 70 per cent labour force of the country.

The full potential of the sector was yet to be realised, he said. “We have to make our agri products competitive to excel in the international market,” Rajwana added.

Rajwana lauded different projects and initiatives launched for capacity building of the students in the field of agriculture and allied disciplines. The Punjab governor congratulated the graduating students and urged them to put in their best efforts to bring the country out of vicious cycles of poverty and scarcity of resources.

A total of 2,360 students were awarded degrees of PhD, MPhil, master’s and bachelor. As many as 55 received medals and 53 were awarded doctorate degrees in different disciplines.

Ambassador of South Korea Dr Song Jong-Hwan also addressed the convocation. He urged the graduating students to work for the development of the country.

PMAS-AAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad said that Punjab chief minister had approved establishment of a sub-campus of the university at Mandra and PC-1 of the project had been submitted to the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th,  2016.