The University of Agriculture Faisalabad and The Food Factory, Islamabad on Tuesday inked a Letter of Intent to conduct research and development work for the development of fortified and value-added food products in order to address the issue of malnutrition.

The LoI was duly signed by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf and Food Factory Chairman Salman Saleem. Director General National Institute of Food Sciences and Technology UAF Dr Tahir Zahoor, Director Research UAF Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir, Managing Director The Food Factory Abbas Khan, renowned drama star Ahmad Ali Akbar, Dr Kamran Sharif, Dr Anjum Munir and other notable also attended the meeting. According to agreement, the UAF will conduct Research and Development activities for the fortified and value added food product for the Food Factory. UAF will assist in the establishment of analytical laboratory at The Food Factory as an essential component. The Food Factory will provide internship programs for the students of UAF. The Food Factory will provide an opportunity to UAF students trainings for the development of their own brands. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf said we have to put our focus on value addition in food that will also help address the issue of the malnutrition. He added that strong academia-industry linkage will pave a way to combat the different challenges faced the country. He said that we have to develop the product of the international standards that will reduce our import bill and enhance the export bill. Salman Saleem said that they were working on the provision of quality food based on the research work that will help fight the real issue of malnutrition. He added that there was need to ensure the quality food for the people especially for malnourished population. He added that malnutrition especially in mother and children were posing a serious threat for the development of the country