Mr. Waseem Mukhtar, Secretary Agriculture Punjab inspects Bio Gas Plant at UAF

Agricultural Scientists should have to device new Agronomic strategies by utilizing innovative technologies in order to ensure food security keeping in view rapidly increasing population and decreasing water & soil resources in the Country. This was stated by Waseem Mukhtar, Secretary Agriculture Government of Punjab while addressing the participants of Deans, Directors meeting of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) here on Wednesday. He said that Pakistan is facing agricultural productivity challenge due to lack of attention and resources for this important sector. Mr. Waseem was of the view that we did not prioritized agricultural sector in accordance with International standards since 80’s onward that is why we are lagging behind in productivity as per our potential. He urged the scientists to develop innovative solutions for the betterment of small farmers is facing many difficulties for livelihood. Secretary Agriculture lauded the role of UAF for bringing Green Revolution by developing new varieties and trained manpower during 1960 and this should be replicated as Pakistan has to feed major chunk of population of the region in future. Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, UAF Vice Chancellor while giving briefing to Chief Guest said that University is facing financial constraints in order to provide affordable education to the deprived segment of society. He hailed the financial support of Punjab Government for development projects particularly Post-Harvest Mechanism, Hostels, Lecture Theaters and Video Conferencing facilities and urged the need for more resources for the completion of development projects. Dr. Iqrar added that University is pursuing modern technological advancement on renewable energy, Water Efficiency and Bio Technology in order to equip human resource with modern technology in befitting manners. Secretary Agriculture visited various Research Laboratories, Green Houses, Hostels and Bio-Gas Plant & expressed his satisfaction on the pace of development occurred by the efforts of University Scientists.