International seminar titled "Strategies for working with adult learners/farmers"

US Agricultural Expert Prof Dr Jerry L. Peters from Purdue University, USA on Monday called for expediting efforts on the part of agriculturalists and extension workers to secure the food for ever-increasing population of the world that will touch to 9 billion by 2050. He addressed an International seminar titled “Strategies for working with adult learners/farmers arranged by Institute of Agri. Extension and Rural Development University of Agriculture Faisalabad in collaboration with US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The seminar was presided over by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan whereas DG Agri Extension Punjab Dr Anjum Ali, Dean Prof Dr Iqbal Zafar, Institute Director Prof Dr Tanvir Ali and Dr Khalid Mahmood also spoke on the occasion. Dr Jerry Peter gave his key address on the latest techniques in the agri extension. He was of the view that agricultural productivity of the world can be boosted up by motivating and education the farming community about new techniques. He stressed upon the extension workers to ensure the active participation of farming community by getting proper knowledge of farmers, belief, custom and education etc before spreading any new idea. He said that extension workers should integrate the new idea what they already know if farmers are going to keep and use. Keeping in view the water scarcity, he stressed upon the need to promote the drip irrigation rather than flood irrigation. Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that our extension extensions should get the benefit from the experiences of same of developed nations. He stressed upon the teaching community to ensure the participatory approach of the students etc by making the lecture interesting etc. He urged to promote the Remote Sensing Technology based on the satellite to gather the data of climate and weather conditions etc that will increase per acre production. He said that UAF is launching a capacity building programme on the remote sensing in collaboration with University of Merry Land. Dr Anjum Ali said that the Punjab Extension Department has started the Electronic Agriculture to give the latest information to the farming community with the use of internet. The service is initially working in Vehari, Sargodha and Sialkot. He said his department in collaboration with UAF has started Zari Baitak to promote an opportunity to sit with agricultural scientists and discuss their issue that will help increase agri production. Prof Dr Zafar said that organizing of such workshop is a hallmark steps that will provide an opportunity to the people and expert t sit together. Prof Dr Tanvir presented the welcome address.