A well-planned Satellite Remote Sensing (SRS) data and Geographic Information System (GIS) for the agriculture will help farming community to know about the status and future prospects of crops that is need of the hour to ensure food security.

A well-planned Satellite Remote Sensing (SRS) data and Geographic Information System (GIS) for the agriculture will help farming community to know about the status and future prospects of crops that is need of the hour to ensure food security, said University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. He was addressing at the inaugural session of world space week that is being celebrated across the globe. Like other part of the globe, the space week celebrations have been kicked off at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Director National Agriculture Information SUPARCO Ijaz Ahmad Bhutta was the guest of honor on the occasion. The vice chancellor said that precision agriculture had gained popularity across the globe, enabling some countries to reduce cost of production through balanced inputs use of information technology, geographical information system and space technology. He said given the increasing population, higher per acre yields were vital to ensuring food security. Ijaz Ahmad Bhutta said that Suparco undertake research and conduct pilot studies based on the applications of Satellite Remote Sensing (SRS) data and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to natural resources surveying, mapping and environmental monitoring. He said that the Suparco in collaboration with Ministry of Food Security had kicked off a project to monitor crops such as cotton, sugarcane, rice, maize, wheat, using remote sensing technology in different areas of Pakistan. He also said that they conducted research studies in space and atmospheric sciences including satellite meteorology, satellite radiance, troposphere/stratosphere studies, atmospheric pollution, satellite geodesy and astronomyThe students exhibited skits and performances to highlight the importance of space and pledges to save our country from manmade disaster. An awareness walk was taken out from Iqbal Auditorium to University D Ground. The water rocket competition was also arranged in which On October 6, Chukball match would be arranged for girls at Laboratory Girls School and space model competition will be held among the schools of Faisalabad. On October 7, Declamation contest and Quiz competition under the banner of Office of the Senior Tutor would be arranged at the concluding and prize distribution ceremony will be arranged. Convener organizing committee Prof Dr Khalil ur Rehman also spoke on the occasion.