Experts urge use of hybrid fertiliser

The use of fertilisers contributes around 40 per cent to agricultural productivity enhancement, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Tanvir has said, urging the farming community to ensure their balanced and timely use to ensure food security of the region.

He expressed his views while addressing a training workshop arranged by the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, UAF, at its farms.

The vice chancellor further said that the world was introducing hybrid fertilisers, which not only increased productivity but also fought various pests.

He revealed that the UAF was collaborating with industries, farming community and other stakeholders in order to address the field and food issues in a better way.

Institute of Soil Sciences Director Dr Muhammad Yaseen pointed out that numerous international days were marked across the globe for different segments and sector of the society. “Earlier, no international day was dedicated to acknowledge the farming community’s efforts in alleviating hunger from the world.”

He explained that with the efforts of Pakistan, December 18 is recognised as World Farmers Day. “However, our country is lagging behind in the agriculture sector due to lack of investment in research and development. Pakistan is producing 42 per cent less wheat that its potential due to weeds.”

An official of a private group said they were working on a hybrid seed of wheat, which had the potential to increase the productivity.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2020.