Inaugural session of International Workshop on Bio-Char

The soil fertility is showing declining trend that can be enhanced with bio-char in order to increase the agricultural production for ever-increasing population. This was stated by speakers at the inaugural session of International Workshop on bio-char arranged by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Addressing on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that around 60 percent of the country was under the grip of the food insecurity. He said that being an agrarian country, Pakistan has numerous resources of bio-char and biomass available from agricultural crops and solid waste generated in huge quantities. He said that in the country, the population of the country was touching to 190 million. He said that bio-char for the waste management, clean development, and water purification will results in tackling the issues. He said that the carbon management was the areas of the concerns. Progressive Farmer Dr Manzoor A Thakkar called for taking measures for overcoming deforestation, resulting in aggravating the climate changes issues. He said that many trees are being cut down for the cause of burning. Sterns policy manures needed in this regard. Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr Muhamamd Arshad urged that biochar must be promoted and used for the agriculture sector in order to mitigating the effect of carbon and green house gases. He said that bio char would be a shift of paradigm towards efficiencies. He called for combination of bio char and organic material for soil fertility. Sarah Pervez from the British Council said that the British Council was taking steps for the promotion of education in Pakistan as no nation can progress without the education. Prof Dr Genxing Pan from China said that his country was effectively on the bio char which is a new low carbon technology in the agriculture sector. He called for getting benefit from the technology. Muhammad Saghir from Aston University said bio energy was the key for the future economy growth, helping in the carbon dioxide reduction. External Linkages Director Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Chatta 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. Dr Fahad Rasool said that the seminar was aimed at raising the awareness among the masses about the bio char so that the technology can be promoted in the country.