Group photo of 41st batch of common training program at civil services academy Lahore with UAF VC Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan

The country was importing pulses and edible oil around Rs 400 billion which can saved by promoting and strengthening its cultivation. This was said by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while talking to 41st Batch Common Training Program, Civil Services Academy, Lahore. The delegation was led by Additional Director Khalid Javed. The Vice Chancellor briefed the team about the agriculture sector. He said that if we become self sufficient in edible oil, we can not only save the money but also earn heavy foreign exchange. He said that country was blessed with four seasons and best cropping system. It is need of the hour to tap the potential by promoting the latest agriculture practices in order to increase per acre production. He added that it was challenges for the agri scientists and other stakeholders to ensure the food security for ever growing population. Talking about rice, he said Pakistan is exporting rice worth Rs 200 billion at the heavy expense of water, as rice consumes 4000 litres for one kg production, in the era when the water scarcity is haunting the food security. He said water crisis is deepening and it is imperative to switch our focus on water efficient crops. The per capita water availability has reached to 1000 cubic metre compared to 5000 cubic metre availability in 1947. He said that severe water crisis looms and can cause devastation in coming years if steps were not taken to sensitize people about rational use of water.