Kisan Mela introduces farmers to modern tech

New methods to help country earn valuable foreign currency, says organiser

GUJAR KHAN:

To create awareness about new farming techniques, a Kisaan Mela was organised by the Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR) at Koont Farm, Gujar Khan on Saturday.

The aim of the event was to help farmers change agricultural practices by reducing expenses, making optimum use of fertilizers, starting side agri-businesses, making farming a profit-oriented venture and strengthen the academia-Industry partnership.

Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Qamaruz Zaman, inaugurated the mela. MPA Sajid Mehmood MPA, faculty members, students and many farmers attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zaman said that Pakistan is in dire need of taking concrete steps in agriculture as the world has come a long way in this field while we are still adopting traditional agricultural methods.

“It is a matter of serious concern for us that despite being an agricultural country, we import our daily necessities from abroad,” he said.

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He said that Potohar has been blessed by God with a unique fertile land, and with a little attention and innovation in agricultural practices, the region could become a hub for fruit production.

Talking about strong academia-industry linkages, he said that educational institutions should have strong ties with industry partners, so the research conducted in educational institutions would not only benefit the farmers but the consumer also.

Member Provincial Assembly Punjab Chaudhry Sajid Mehmood said that it is time for our farmers to move away from traditional methods and towards modern agriculture. The steps would not only bring them financial benefits, but also enable the country to stand on its own feet in food security. Mehmood said that with new methods the country would be able to earn valuable foreign exchange.

The event, he said, has created a hope that the future of Pakistan’s agriculture sector was bright and Pakistan would soon be able to export agricultural commodities to the world.

On the occasion, Dr Zaman also inaugurated a new automatic system worth Rs10 million installed for estimation of land erosion which was unique and first-of-its-kind. The system would help stop 76% erosion, especially in the Potohar region.

The farmers who took part in the Kissan Mela appreciated the efforts of PMAS-AAUR, providing agricultural guidance to them which were helping them in solving the agricultural problems.

Various awareness stalls were set up at the event where demonstration of modern agricultural technology, traditional sports like horse riding, javelin throwing and bull racing were also organised.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2021.