“Under a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) programme, farmers in Pakistan and Afghanistan are being trained in several techniques to increase crop productivity,” says UAF Vice Chancellor. PHOTO: FILE
FAISALABAD:
“World population will reach 9 billion by 2050… the agricultural scientists need to ensure it will enjoy food security,” University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the concluding session of a workshop on Molecular Techniques for Breeding Horticulture and Agronomic Crops organised by the Institute of Horticulture Sciences (IHS) and Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC).
Khan said, “Pakistan is blessed with four seasons…new crops should be cultivated instead of focusing only on traditional ones.”
The VC said valuable researches were being carried out in the field of agriculture.
“The real challenge is to translate this knowledge into goods and services that will help increase per acre production.”
“Under a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) programme, farmers in Pakistan and Afghanistan are being trained in several techniques to increase crop productivity,” he said.
Dr Sumaira Riaz of the University of California, Davis, urged the scientists to pace up their research work. “Hard work and motivation lead to progress,” she said.
Institute of Horticulture Sciences Director Prof Dr Aslam Pervez said increased productivity would bring prosperity and help reduce poverty.
Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Director Dr Rao Asif also spoke on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2013.
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