UAF vice chancellor that plant pathological, entomological and zoological aspects would be considered during the collection of all species. PHOTO: UAF.EDU.PK
FAISALABAD: University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) is considering establishment of the country’s first Insect Museum at the Old Campus. The museum will help preserve the bio-diversity system.
This was disclosed at a scholarly exchange programme organised on Monday by the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (USPCAS-AFS). Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan chaired the event.
No progress on establishment of national museum
Progressive farmer Syed Faisal Shah, USPCAS Chief of Party Bashir Ahmad and various deans and directors attended the meeting. A delegation of five-faculty members – who have returned from the University of California, Davis, under the scholarly exchange programme – gave a presentation on the occasion.
They included Muhammad Arshad, Bushra Sultana, Lubna Anjum, Sidra Ijaz and Ameer Bibi.
The vice chancellor said that the museum would house various species of insects. It would promote research and development activities, he said. He said that plant pathological, entomological and zoological aspects would be considered during the collection of all species.
Ahmad called for setting up an alfalfa working group to overcome the shortage of fodder across the county. The meeting decided that a lab-safety course would be introduced for creating awareness about precautionary measures and protocol of laboratories.
“The country is blessed with immense resources but we are not tapping the potential. Water scarcity, low agricultural productivity, increasing population and climate changes pose threats to food insecurity,” the vice chancellor said.
Faisal Shah urged agricultural experts to work with the farmer community to will help address issues faced by growers.
Museums conference: ‘Use 3D models for online publicity of historical sites’
In view of changing climatic conditions, he called for diverse agronomic practices to produce high-value crops.
Dr Bashir Ahmad said that on May 18, the USPCAS-AFS shortlisted research projects contestant will defend their idea before the steering committee of the USPCAS-AFS.
Separately, a committee was formed under Sciences Dean Muhammad Javed to work on the establishment of the museum.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 17th, 2016.
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