Prof. Dr. Iqrar A Khan inaugurates the Monsanto Technology Trails at UAF

Leading International Seed Company Monsanto formally made an intervention of showcasing its new technology at farm land of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad to enable agricultural stakeholders witness the upcoming technology. The event of sowing second generation genetically modified corn at UAF was held at UAF with UAF VC Prof. Dr. Iqrar A Khan as Chief Guest on Sunday morning. Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan described the event a wonderful beginning of University Industry Linkage. He said Monsanto had introduced BT cotton in the country adding that the cotton we are growing on the name of Bt is originally designed by Monsanto. He said Monsanto is doing business and UAF is also pursuing agenda of promoting opportunities that could benefit academia, industry and farming community at large. He said the law of the country had laid down some prerequisite of containment facility for risk assessment and field test that would provide critical information to fulfill the legal requirements. He termed the technology park an opportunity for academia, students and other stakeholders to see the developments made by Monsanto in this regard. Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Muhammad Asim, Regulatory Affairs leader, Monsanto Pakistan briefed about the trail, purpose, objective of the trail and the company at large. He said the Monsanto started the trails of Genetically Modified Corn and it was second generation trail of 120 days and simultaneously we submitted the case for commercialization. To educate our stakeholders, he said that they planned to continue the trail at UAF with a firm view that the institution was a recognized hub of whole agricultural activities in the country and farmers and other stakeholders frequently visit here. Muhammad Atif also spoke on the occasion.