Soybean conference

FAISALABAD Feb 15: Speakers at a conference called for promoting soybean cultivation to curtail national soybean import worth $1200 million whereas the University of Agriculture Faisalabad has announced establishment of 1000 demonstration/ trial spots of high-yielding soybean at farmer fields this year compared to 170 demonstration farms last year in a bid to encourage the crop cultivation. They addressed the Soybean conference arranged at the Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, University of Agriculture Faisalabad . UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that China is the world's largest importer of the soybean whereas the US is the largest exporter. He added that Pakistan is importing essential commodities worth $10 billion a year and half of it is edible oil import. He added that cultivation of the soybean would also address the nutrition crisis. He said that India, in order to promote the local soybean cultivation, imposed the import duty. He said that soybeans are a major global commodity and contribute significantly to international trade, soybeans are an excellent source of protein and source of vegetable oil worldwide. He added that UAF established soybean farms across the country and soybean can be cultivated in Pakistan with different varieties. He said that industry should take the lead for its promotion and address the market issue. He said that we have to curtail the misconception about GM crops prevailing in some segments of society. He added that the GM/ non GM both varieties will help address the challenges of food insecurity. The law of the land permits introduction of GM-crops including soybean. There are unfair hurdles that need to be removed. Director CAS Dr Sultan Habib Ullah said that the university was taking the technologies to the farmers field so to strengthen the sector with scientific work. He said that the tangible research work on agriculture was being carried out that will help food security. Dr Zaheer Ahmed said that the university was working on 5000 lines of the soybean. He said that soybeans can be cultivated in different environments and soils of the world, however, genetic screening is required on demand. He said that soybean can be cultivated in the different seasons in Pakistan. He said that in summer, the sowing should be carried in standing water. He added that a maximum yield of more than 50 mounds can be achieved. It can be grown all over Pakistan. He said that every year 10 farmers will be added at each demonstration site under the ongoing soybean campaign by UAF President Anjuman-E-Kashtkaran Punjab Rana Iftikhar Muhammad said that if the demands of soybeans are met at the local level, it will improve the performance of the poultry industry. Pakistan Agriculture Research Council In-Charge Oil Seed Dr. Mohammad Arshad, emphasized joint efforts to tackle agricultural challenges by strengthening linkages between industry and research institutions. Chairman Kissan Ittehad Council Shaukat said that food security should be ensured by developing agriculture on a scientific basis while solving farmers' problems. Mumtaz Feed CEO Amir Mumtaz and Jahangir from APSEA ,CEO Soybean Oak China Center, Dr Khalid Shouq and also other notables spoke. The different organizations, businessmen, industrialists and progressive farmers participated. Whereas the soybean valued added food product exhibition under the supervision of Dr Ahmad Din was put on the display that remained a center for attraction for food lovers. He said that the demonstration at the farmer fields will prove a millstone to flourish the crop at the national level.