German expert Dr Gerwin Dreesmann said solar energy is the most efficient and cost effective energy for irrigation system especially at the time when Pakistan was fighting with energy and water crises.

German expert Dr Gerwin Dreesmann said solar energy is the most efficient and cost effective energy for irrigation system especially at the time when Pakistan was fighting with energy and water crises. He was talking to UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan during a meeting held at the VC's Chamber. Dr Gerwin, the Consultant, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, was flanked by Regional Director Rashid Majid. UAF Dean Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Prof Dr Allah Bukhsh, Dr Anjum Munir, Director Procurement Rana Khalid and Dr Ahsan Raza also attended the meeting. The German scientist said that the water scarcity issue was hitting the globe as melting water reservoirs, climate changes and changing weather pattern are posing the threat for the life. He said that Germany was focusing on the solar energy for irrigation purposes in the field. Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the country is exporting 2 billion dollar rice at the heavy cost of water as rice consumes 44 gallons of water for one kg production only. He said Pakistan is placed in red zone in water scarce countries. He said water crisis is deepening. It is need of the hour to switch our focus on water efficient crops. He said the country was importing pulse and edible oil worth 4 billion dollar. If we become self sufficient in edible oil, we can save millions of rupees. He said that the Punjab Bio Energy Institute was being set at the University. A 100 Kilo watt of bio energy plant would be established at the campus to promote the technology. Prof Dr Allah Buksh said that the per capita water availability had reached to 1000 cubic metre compared to 5000 cubic metre availability in 1947. He also added that severe water crisis looms and can cause devastation in coming years if steps were not taken to increase water storage capacity.