Research and development: ‘Collaborations could help ensure food security’

Engro Vice President Babur Sultan says Engro would provide Rs5 million to University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

FAISALABAD:

“We need to take all possible measures to ensure food security in the country,” University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said on Saturday.

Addressing a ceremony after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Engro Corporation, he said the food industry grew by 9.5 per cent in 2013.

Speaking on this occasion, Engro Vice President Babur Sultan said Engro was committed to provide quality products to the people.

He announced that Engro would provide Rs5 million to the UAF for research and development.

“The food industry is progressing… Engro will provide financial assistance to the National Institute of Food, Science and Technology at the UAF.”

He urged the academia and industrialists to work together.

Food Technology Research Institute Director General Masood Sadiq Butt said agriculture experts and food scientists should work together to deal with malnutrition.

Earlier, an MOU aimed at strengthening research and development activities and industry-academia relations was signed between the UAF and Engro.

As per the agreement, scholarship and training programmes would also be held.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2014.