Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward visits UAF citrus nursery

Pakistan and Australia strong relations in agricultural sector will help alleviate poverty from the country as majority of population in Pakistan is associated with the sector, said Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward. The Australian High Commissioner called on Deans and Directors, University of Agriculture Faisalabad at the Syndicate Room. UAF Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqbal Zafar presented the welcome address while the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) Director Prof Dr Asif Ali also spoke. The HC said that there is a great potential in the livestock and agriculture sector of Pakistan and Australia is already assisting the Pakistan in enhancing the agricultural productivity in the form of various development and capacity building programmes in order to ensure the food security in the country. He said that by strengthening the post harvest mechanism in Pakistan, agricultural productivity can be increased manifold. He said that student exchange programmes between the both countries will be increased to get benefit from each other experiences. He assured of enhanced flow of scientists, researchers and students from both sides. He pointed out that the Australia has good techniques and practices that will be beneficial for Pakistan also. He said that the mutual cooperation between the both countries would help get benefit from each other experiences. He also called for stepping up efforts on the part of social scientists and extension workers to persuade the farming community to adopt latest practices. He pointed out keeping in view the challenges of changing climate; it is need of hour to expedite the efforts to provide nutritious food to the increasing population. He also stressed the need to enhance the role of women in the development of the country to compete with the world in harmonised manners. He said the most of the farming community in Pakistan is consisting of small farmers. By equipping them with the modern tools and practices, the target of increased agricultural and poverty alleviation can be achieved. The HC was briefed that UAF was running various agricultural projects with Australian universities including University of Sydney, University of Charles Stuart, University of Queensland and others educational insinuations. Under the projects, work on mango, citrus, wheat and cotton and other agricultural products is in full swing. As many as eight UAF staff members have completed PhDs from Australia whereas 21 completed post doctorate degrees. The HC also visited the citrus nursery, rosa lab, Monsanto Demonstration Plot and other parts of the varsity.