‘Climate change hits agricultural sector’

USAID Mission Director Veerya Kate Somvongsiri paid a visit to the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) where she met with UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

During her visit, she toured the UAF Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security as well as various laboratories and field areas.

Expressing her admiration for the institution, Somvongsiri highlighted the impressive work being conducted by faculty and students to address agricultural challenges.

Emphasising the global importance of climate change mitigation, she underscored the need for Pakistan to modernise its agricultural practices to drive economic development.

Somvongsiri reiterated USAID's commitment to supporting the university in overcoming agricultural hurdles.

In response, Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan outlined the university's achievements since the inception of its Vision 2030 plan in 2013-14.

Currently hosting over 30,000 students, the university's research and development initiatives have surpassed Rs20 billion.

Looking ahead, Khan revealed plans to accommodate 60,000 students by 2050, with a focus on providing top-notch facilities, particularly for its female students.

Moreover, UAF has crafted a ten-year agricultural strategic plan aimed at propelling agricultural development and prosperity in the region.

Khan commended the faculty's efforts in organising the spring festival celebrations and highlighted the record number of patents filed by UAF in the last 15 months, indicating a promising future of success.

The visit also saw the presence of key figures including Director of USAID's Office of Democracy, Rights and Governance Shally Prasad, USAID Lahore Team Lead Arshia Bano, Director of Research Dr Sultan Habibullah, Director of Public Relations Dr Jafar Jaskani, and several others.