International Workshop on Agronomic Socio-Economic and Policy Representation at UAF

The soil fertility, which is showing declining trend, can be enhanced with bio-char that will improve nutrition and water holding capacity of soil, resulting in ensuring food security. This was stated by speakers at the inaugural session of International Workshop titled agronomics socio economic and policy representation on bio-char and carbon market arranged by Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad and British Council. Addressing on the occasion, Dr Simon J Shackley from University of Edinburgh, UK said that biochar must be promoted and used for agriculture sector in order to mitigating the effect of green house gases. He said that bio char would be a shift of paradigm towards efficencies. Progressive Farmer Dr Manzoor A Thakkar called for taking measures for overcoming deforestation, resulting in aggravating the climate changes issues. He said the biocahr will help in increasing the productivity. He said that increasing pollution and climate changes are the areas of concerns that need the collaborated efforts. The country population is touching the 190 million. It is must to increase the agriculture productivity to ensure the food security. Department of Agronomy Chairman Prof Dr Ehsanullah said climate changes are playing havoc with the live of the people. He was of the view that green gases and emission of carbon oxide are resulting in melting of glaciers and affecting the agriculture sector. He said seminar was aimed at raising the awareness among the masses about the bio char so that technology can be promoted in the country. Dr Khalid Bashir said that food insecurity is haunting the 58 percent of the population. He said that the issue can be tackled by promoting the latest technology. Dr Muhammad Shahid informed the gathering about the bio-medical aspects of biochar. Dr Fahd Rasul said it is the matter of concerns that the organic matter in soil is very low which is one percent only. He said that the country was exposed to the climate changes. If tangible steps are not taken, the issue of food insecurity will increase.