UAF NEWS

It is really distressing that the agricultural productivity of the country has been facing stagnation for the last decade that is posing a threat for food security to feed the ever-increasing population, said University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

He addressed a farewell party held on the retirement of Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam, Dean Faculty of Agriculture UAF. He said that every year, we confront with the agriculture crisis of one of major crops. The wheat and sugar crises had deepened this year. He said that we shift the cultivation area of one crops to another instead of increasing the per acre productivity. He also pointed out that the farmers’ son doesn’t want to become a farmer due to shrinking profitability in the agriculture. He also expressed his views that the agricultural land was also diminishing and being converted into the colonies etc that trend also needed to be curtailed. He added that lack of adaptation of modern practices and poor seed quality were hampering to increase per acre production and get benefit from our fertile land. He urged the agricultural scientists to pace up their research and development activities for the uplifting of the sector. He added that the University would boost up its outreach activities to address the problems of farming community at their doorstep. He lauded the contribution of Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam for the academia and research and agriculture sector Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asif Tanveer said the agriculture researchers should come up with solid and innovative solutions. He viewed that the majority of our population is associated with the sector. The poverty and hunger alleviation is directly linked with the agriculture sector. He said that besides the academic and research contributions, Dr Muhammad Aslam has played an active role in the promotion of literature and book reading among the youth. Outgoing Dean Agriculture Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam said the committed persons stick to principals, hardworking and merit always excel in the life. He thanked the faculty for their cooperation. He added being the agrarian country, the agriculture sector was the backbone of our economy that was contributing to 19 percent to the GDP. Dean Agriculture Prof Dr Javed Akhtar said that Dr Aslam had rendered marvelous contribution to the university that will be written in golden words. He stressed upon the scientists to come up with new varieties. He said that it was prerequisite to increase per acre-productivity and ensure food security to feed ever-increasing population. Prof Dr Jalal Arif said that there is a need to revive our rich cultural values among the people that would open up a new chapter of progressing society. He said that UAF was committed to work for the welfare of farming community and the sector. Prof Dr Nazir Ahmad urged the agriculture experts to have strong relations with the farming community in order to address their problems.