The main building of the university was established in 1906. PHOTO: SHAMSUL ISLAM/EXPRESS
The UAF was established in 1906 as the first major institution of higher agricultural education in Punjab. The 1,950-acre university campus represents both history and the present era. The new campus is lush green with a conglomeration of monolithic blocks built in modern style. The old campus is reminiscent of traditional Muslim architecture. The campus is located in the centre of the city at a distance of 12 kilometres north east of the Faisalabad International Airport.
In the National Taiwan University ranking, the UAF is ranked 72nd in the world in the subject of agricultural sciences and 12 in Asia Pacific. No other university of the country has the distinction of finding a place in top 100 universities in any category. In addition, in the area of research in Pakistan, the university has attained the best university position as per the Times of Higher Education and Emerging Economies Ranking 2017.
Another unique feature is the UAF now consists of 45% female students of the total strength. It is perhaps the only university in the country where a number of students belong to rural areas and admissions are given on merit.
Achievements and development
In the last nine years, the UAF received funding of Rs20 billion which is itself a record.
During this period, the number of teachers increased to 150 from 40. The varsity’s budget has also increased from Rs700 million to Rs9 billion.
UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan says the progress of the UAF is evident by the increase in the number of PhD faculty from 200 in 2007 to 450 PhDs and from 9,000 students to 24,000 students in 2016.”
Science Block at the university campus. PHOTO: FILE
The UAF publications and citations were just 577 worldwide in 2007 which has now gone up to 7,797.
“UAF scientists successfully developed a short duration germplasm of cotton PB896 this year that will yield best variety. Ten varieties of mango with excellent aroma and taste were also developed. Besides, the UAF is working with the Aussie institutions on the hybrid variety of wheat,” he said.
The VC remarked: “The UAF has established USAID-funded Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security worth $30 million that will help uplift the sector with trained manpower, outreach, bio-technology, policy recommendations, precision agriculture and tangible research work on climate changes.”
He said the Korean Agriculture Innovation Technology Park would also be established at the campus through the assistance of the Korean Government.
He said the UAF had strengthened Pak-China friendship with the establishment of Chinese Confucius Centre at the campus where Chinese language, cooking, and faculty students exchange programmes are being offered.
More projects
The UAF is collaborating with University of California, USA, to introduce hybrid courses in the Department of Entomology. Besides, for the first time in the history of the country, Vision 2030 has been developed by the varsity to achieve sustainable agriculture through learning, discovery and outreach.
The UAF has also developed a catalogue of 101 innovations which is in the printing process, while 48 new degree programmes were introduced, including joint degree programmes with Dalhousie University, Canada and IBA Sukkur.
Girls take keen interest in chrysanthemum exhibition. PHOTO: FILE
In 2007, the UAF had 126 research projects worth Rs326 million which increased to 425 projects amounting to Rs2,549.51 million. The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad also has the country’s biggest girls’ hostel having a capacity of 1,000 students.
The university also holds annual chrysanthemum exhibition in which large number of people and students participate. The exhibition provides the visitors with basic knowledge of the variety of plants and flowers.
Hard-earned success
While speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Iqrar said the faculty members and staff worked hard and introduced high-quality, strategic and dynamic programmes in the varsity to achieve international standards and landmark.
“The UAF has made remarkable progress in fixing critical success factors and in working stupendously towards their aspirations and make a remarkable contribution in food security, rural development, policy reforms, agri-business and community service.”
“We have succeeded in converting UAF into a world-class centre of excellence for the progressive development of individuals, the nation, and the world society at large,” the vice-chancellor said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2017.
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