The researchers should devise a roadmap to produce result-oriented research work for problem-solving of agriculture, farmers, industry and other stakeholders that will lead towards knowledge economy.

It was echoed by experts at a meeting of Technical Advisory Committee of Endowment Fund, UAF that was presided over by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf. University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore Vice Chancellor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, Ghazi University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Tufail, DG Extension Dr Anjum Ali Bhuttar, former Livestock Minister Mumtaz Munhais and other notables also attended. Endowment Fund Executive Director Dr Mahmood Ahmad Randhwa presented the agenda. The meeting weighted up pros and cons of 24 proposed research projects for funding and its benefit for farming community, industry and society. Addressing the meeting, Dr Muhammad Ashraf said that commissioned research was the need of the hour to address the problems faced the country. He said that only knowledge-based economies were progressing rapidly across the world. Our country was lagging behind in the avenue, he said, adding that we have to produce tangible research and commercialize it. He said that people are facing deficiency in vitamins and other nutrition due to rampant malpracticie in our food items. He also urged the food scientists to devise food fortification to address malnutrition issue that is hitting half of country population. He said that daunting agriculture issuers were dwindling income of farming community. Modern agriculture practices will not only increase productivity but also income of farmers. Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said that we can’t compete with the rest of the world without problem-oriented researches. He said that our elders had given tremendous sacrifices to achieve the country. Now, it is our duty to move it towards development and prosperity. Dr Muhammad Tufail said that general public, farming and industry is looking at researches for scientific solutions of their problems. Dr Mahmood Ahmad Randhawa said that the Endowment Fund had invited more research proposals for funding for the welfare of the agriculture, community, industry and others. He said that university was taking revolution steps for promoting research culture.