Seminar on "World Water Day"

Pakistan is running through a difficult time in term of water scarcity as the per capita water availability has touched to threshold level, said Parliamentary Secretary on Finance and Economic Affairs Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan. Keeping the situation in view, as many as 50 dams were being constructed in the country, he said while addressed a seminar arranged at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad on World Water Day. He also called for educating the farming community and people about rational use of water as 50 percent of the water is being wasted. He was of the view that the food security is the major security. He said that trade corridor with India would provide the opportunity to explore the big market. He said that Pakistan is blessed with the best crops and fruit with the good taste. He said that tomato crisis had hit the country. There are two months in Pakistan when tomato can not be cultivated. The scientists shouls develop the mechanism ton promote the off seasons agricultural produces in the country. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that water availability had touched to 1000 cubic metre per person which has placed the country in red zone in term of water availability. He said that in Pakistan, industrialization was associated with agriculture such as textile. He also called for brining the policy reform for the population control in order to make progress. Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rai Niaz stressed the need to increase the collaborated work for the food security and water scarcity issue. He said that the farmers need to adopt efficient water methods in order to cope with the situation. Islamia University of Bahawalpur Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Mukhtar said that the IUB in collaboration with the UAF scientists will launch six new varieties of cotton, in two years, aimed at increasing the cotton production. He said that IUB has introduced cotton IUB 222 variety which is ranked among top three top varieties. Dean Sciences Prof Dr Muhammad Javiad said that that the country was blessed with natural resources and best cropping system. We need to adopt the efficient methods to ensure hte food security. Water Management Research Centre Director Prof Dr Allah Buksh stressed the need to increase the water storage capacity in the country. He said that bed plantation and drip irrigation saves the water by 80 percent. He said the WMRC was making all steps to promote modern agricultural practices. Director ORIC Dr Rao Asif said that the commercialization of the innovative products will bring the tangible results . Keeping in view, the ORIC is promoting the latest technologies of the UAF. Senior Tutor Prof Dr Aslam Pervez said that the last year, UAF students took part in 48 competitions. Out of which 25 first position had been got whereas 14 second positions are achieved. He said that the UAF hosted Lyallpur Festival aimed at spreading the peace and harmony and provide a platform to the students to exhibit their skills. He said that 35 universities took at the festival in different contests. Prof Dr Anjum Munir stressed the need to adopt the biogas and solar energy as an alternative to meet the demand of energy. MP Suraya Naseem was also present on the stage.