UAF, AARI join hands

FAISALABAD Oct 26: Amid the challenges of food security, it is the need of the hour to promote Genetically Modified crops in order to reduce agricultural losses, ensure food security and lessen the harmful effects of insecticides and weedicides on human health. It was stated by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan in a meeting with Sajid-ur-Rehman,Chief Scientist AARI at VC Chamber. It was agreed upon that UAF and AARI will expedite the efforts and jointly launch projects in biotechnology and other areas of mutual interests meant for boosting up productivity. Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan added that UAF and AARI will go hand-in-hand to improve crop productivity and resource sharing. He said that the agriculture sector was confronting daunting issues including low productivity, water scarcity, climate changes mechanization, irrational use of inputs, lack of availability of certified seed and others. He called for promoting the latest agriculture trends for a better future. He said that UAF has introduced high-yielding and potential varieties of Genetically Modified sugarcane including Insect-resistant transgenic sugarcane (CABB-IRS) and Herbicide-tolerant transgenic sugarcane (CABB-HTS). These sugarcane varieties are carrying superior traits like input-responsiveness, early maturing (suitable for plantation even after wheat in the months of April and May), top borer-resistance, herbicide-tolerance and high-number of tillers. Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman said that collaborative projects on different aspects of agricultural biotechnology in future will bring tangible results that will help ensure food security. They expressed their commitment to strengthening ties between AARI and UAF and sharing resources for food security in the country. Dr Sajid presented a bouquet to congratulate Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, on his new role as the Vice Chancellor.