Dengue virus: 12 research projects launched at UAF

FAISALABAD: As many as 12 research projects have been initiated by the University of Agriculture (UAF) for outreach programmes to eradicate dengue virus, Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, the UAF vice chancellor said on Tuesday. Dr Khan, in a brief talk with The Express Tribune, said that the experts at UAF had formulated a new strategy to fight the epidemic. “I am certain that these projects would prove a hallmark to fight the virus,” he said. Dr Khan emphasised on a stepped up social mobilisation drive that, he said, was one of the most important tools to curb the virus. He lauded the steps taken by the Punjab government in this regard. Talking about other initiatives, he said that the university has developed software to provide expert opinions to the farming community about the use of fertiliser. He said this project was developed in collaboration with the Agri Extension Department which also included setting up a call centre in eight districts to provide expert opinion and help.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2012.