‘Pakistan, Afghanistan face common problems’
Workshop for young professionals concludes in Faisalabad.
Agriculture serves as a backbone to the economies of both neighboring countries. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
FAISALABAD:
A five-day international workshop, “Strengthening Extension Skills of Young Professionals in Afghanistan and Pakistan” concluded at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad yesterday. The workshop was arranged by the Office of Research Innovations and Commercialization (ORIC), UAF, in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Addressing the concluding session, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the world was gripped by food insecurity and stressed the need for scientists, farmers and extension workers to tackle the issue with collaborative efforts.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan face common challenges and can have common solutions,” said Khan, adding that the lack of quality seed, machinery and horse power was hampering the process of increasing production.
Meanwhile, Dr Jim Hill from the University of California, Davis, USA, said that agriculture served as a backbone to the economies of both neighboring countries.
“Skilled manpower that can increase production will pave the way for the development of Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said Hill.
Dr Louise Ferguson, Dr Chris Pankuk, Dr Grant Dewell, Dr Charles Schuster and Dr Jerry Peters were also present during the final session.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2013.
A five-day international workshop, “Strengthening Extension Skills of Young Professionals in Afghanistan and Pakistan” concluded at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad yesterday. The workshop was arranged by the Office of Research Innovations and Commercialization (ORIC), UAF, in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Addressing the concluding session, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the world was gripped by food insecurity and stressed the need for scientists, farmers and extension workers to tackle the issue with collaborative efforts.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan face common challenges and can have common solutions,” said Khan, adding that the lack of quality seed, machinery and horse power was hampering the process of increasing production.
Meanwhile, Dr Jim Hill from the University of California, Davis, USA, said that agriculture served as a backbone to the economies of both neighboring countries.
“Skilled manpower that can increase production will pave the way for the development of Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said Hill.
Dr Louise Ferguson, Dr Chris Pankuk, Dr Grant Dewell, Dr Charles Schuster and Dr Jerry Peters were also present during the final session.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2013.