SAU approves Rs4.82b budget

HYDERABAD:

Annual budget of Rs4.82 billion for fiscal 2025-26 was approved during the 30th senate meeting of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, which was held on Saturday.

"Universities remain a top priority of the Sindh government," claimed Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards and Pro-Chancellor Muhammad Ismail Rahu, who chaired the meeting. He said the provincial government has enhanced sevenfold the budget of the higher education institutions over a small period of five years, pointing out that the outlay was a mere Rs six billion in 2021 against the present Rs43 billion. The minister warned that climate change is posing serious threats to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, wildlife and forestry sectors.

Minister Rahu also acknowledged that a shortage of certified seed in Sindh is a major challenge. Rahu emphasised on the need for enhanced research on soil health, water management, pesticides, fertilisers and sustainable agricultural practices.