Secretary Agriculture Dr. Ijaz Munir visits UAF

Secretary Agriculture Dr Ijaz Munir on Monday said policies formation on national issues should come from universities to get benefit from the suggestions of the scientists that will ultimately help catch up the developed world. He called on University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and addressed the meeting of Dean and Director at the Syndicate Room. He stressed upon the coordinated efforts of researchers, educationists, and industrialists and extension workers to ensure the challenge of food security in the country. He was of the view that he will convene a meeting of stakeholders of the agricultural scientists at the UAF, aimed at mapping out a comprehensive plan to uplift the sector. He said that no change can be taken place in isolation. To bring the change, the communities need to work together for making betterment in their lives based on knowledge. He said that exhibition centre being set up at the campus is a hallmark steps that will help the farmers get the knowledge of latest practices. He said that it will facilitate the industrialists to display their products here that will remain a source of attraction of the people. He said that he will provide all support to the University. He stressed the need to take tangible steps in the shape of the research, outreach programme and recommendations to feed the increasing population of the country. Briefing the Secretary, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the University not only earned top position nationally but clinched Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Science & Technology Award-2012 with a cash prize of 1,00,000 US dollars. In 2013, QS World University Ranking in the subject category of Agriculture and Forestry placed it on 142nd position by evaluation more than 3000 Universities of the world . National Taiwan University Ranking (NTU) declared it 158th best University of the World and also placed on 33rd position in the Asian Pacific Region in the field of Agriculture and Environment.