Annual Poster Contest of Plant Pathology Department, UAF

The disease and heat resistant varieties of various crops are prerequisite to ensure the food security amid changing climate to effectively deal with different infestation, said University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. He addressed the participants of Annual Poster Contest of Plant Pathology Department, UAF. He said that control of plant diseases is crucial to the reliable production. He said that agricultural sector is directly linked with the poverty alleviation. He stressed upon the scientists to play their significant role to ensure food in the situation when the population is increasing rapidly. He said that threat of CLCV, die back of shesham, greening disease of citrus, and others are the challenges for plant pathologists. He also urged the teaching community to polish their in-build abilities of students so that they can create their own world. He called for strengthening the academia-industry linkages to solve the problems of the industry. He also stressed upon the students to hone their skills so that they can shoulder their responsibilities in the development of the county. Terming the youth an engine for the uplift, he said that you are the future builder. The skilled manpower is the guarantee of the bright future. He also lauded the steps being taken on the part of Plant Pathology Department in the area of research and academia. Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr Muhammad Arshad said that scientists should come up with solid solution to solve the problems of stakeholders. He was of the view that the poster competition provides an opportunity to the students to exhibit their skills. He said that the poster had attained more importance than the presentation in the developed nations. Department Chairman Prof Dr Shahbaz Talib Sahi said his Department was running the research projects worth Rs 20 million whereas more research projects worth Rs 30 millions are in the pipeline. He said the Department has also paced up the outreach programmes in order to transfer the knowledge into goods and service.