Trained manpower, quality problem-solving research and entrepreneurial skills are imperative to fight unemployment, poverty and low agri productivity.

Trained manpower, quality problem-solving research and entrepreneurial skills are imperative to fight unemployment, poverty and low agri productivity. This was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while chairing a seminar on internship and career development arranged by US Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security. The Vice Chancellor proposed that UAF internees could be sent to village schools or to develop a business model at rural level to bring prosperity in the lives of the rural people. He said that job market in the country can’t absorb all the manpower being produced here. He added that we have to develop entrepreneurial skills among the students so that they can become job providers rather than job seekers. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of the government to enhance the skills of the youth with the hallmark initiatives. He showed his concern that the production of major crops was facing stagnation for the last many years. He said that Agri. land was decreasing and being converted into residential colonies. He cautioned if trend continues, it would result in food insecurity. He urged teaching community to produce committed and skilled manpower that is the guarantee of bright future. He said that the country was blessed with fertile land, talented people, four seasons and natural benefits. If we apply the modern trend to our agriculture, we can not only meet your needs but also earn foreign exchanges. University of California Davis’ Dr Gwynn Benner said that internships were vital to produce the skills of professional knowledge before entering into the practical life. She said that we have to produce the opportunity for the students for the internship and flourish its culture. She said that large business groups should collaborate with universities in the internship programs. Dr Nancy Allen urged the students to get the skills of the resume writing for securing job. She said that effective communication was prerequisite for which students should get the skills of the communities for a prosperous future.