German Ambassador to Pakistan Bernhard Schlagheck on Wednesday said that Pakistan and Germany ties in academy, research and agriculture sector would be further fostered to get benefit from each other experiences.

He called on UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf and addressed the deans and directors at the Meeting Room. He underlined the importance of exchange program between both countries to enhance bilateral relations. He said that agriculture sector is relatively unproductive in Pakistan. He said that agriculture sector was extremely important sector of any country. He also lauded the steps being taken on the part the UAF for the teaching, research and the agriculture sector. He added that the universities should the shape policies for the development. The ambassador said that more and more Pakistanis were interested in either studying or conducting research in Germany. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf said that UAF was enjoying good relations with German institutes. He added that further strengthened ties will help open up new horizon of development and prosperity. He said that agriculture was considered the backbone of our economy, which is contributing 19 percent to the Gross Domestic Product and providing manpower to 45 percent of the total populations. He said that more than 90 percent of the farming community consists of small farmers in Pakistan who cannot afford the heavy cost machinery. The situation provokes the low productivity. He also said that climate changes were posing a serious threat to agriculture sector. Keeping in view, new climate resilient varieties must be developed. High yielding, disease free and capable to combat climate changes are imperative to move the agriculture towards development