Five-day International Workshop titled Strengthening Extension Skills of Young Professionals in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Five-day International Workshop titled Strengthening Extension Skills of Young Professionals in Afghanistan and Pakistan at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad on Friday concluded. The workshop was arranged by Office of Research Innovations and Commercialization (ORIC), UAF, in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The concluding session was chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. Resources persons from US included Dr Jim Hill, Dr Louise Ferguson, Dr Chris Pankuk, Dr Grant Dewell, Dr Charles Schuster, Dr Jerry Peters, Dr Mark Bell and Dr Chelo V Abrenilla. The Vice Chancellor said the world was in the grip of food insecurity. He stressed the need to expedite the efforts on the part of the scientists, farmers and extension workers to tackle the issue with collaborative efforts. He added that the both neighbouring countries were facing the common challenges with common solutions. He said that lack of quality seed, machinery and horse power was hampering the process of increment in production. Dr Jim Hill from the University of California Davis, USA said that agriculture is the backbone of the economies of Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said that skilled manpower engaged in brining the positive changes to increase production will pave the way for the development of the countries. Dr Asif Ali said thanked the audience to attend the workshop. He hoped that participants will play their due role in ensuring the food security in this regard.