D-8 Bioinformatics Bootcamp 2025, two-weeks hands-on training in computational Genomics and International Seminar on AI Cultivation: Shaping the Modern Age of Agriculture, at Center for Advanced Studies (CAS), UAF.

FAISALABAD June 16: As the world battles food insecurity, speakers of intentional seminar at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) called for promoting Artificial Intelligence in modern agriculture to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability They addressed the inaugural session of D-8 Bioinformatics Bootcamp 2025, two-weeks hands-on training in computational Genomics and International Seminar on AI Cultivation: Shaping the Modern Age of Agriculture, at Center for Advanced Studies (CAS), UAF. The event was organized by the D-8 Research Center for Agriculture and Food Security, Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Food and Biotechnology Research Center PCSIR Lahore, bringing together experts from D-8 countries to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computational genomics in agriculture. Speaking at the occasion, D-8 High Commissioner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E Ahmed Amjad Ali said that world is transforming at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid advancements in technology and innovation. In such times, platforms like this provide us a valuable opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences. It will not only enhance mutual collaboration but also significantly strengthen our research capacities. He said by sharing knowledge and expertise, we can collectively tackle the emerging global challenges. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that recent economic survey indicates declining production of our major crops like wheat, maize, cotton and rice. He said we have to think about research which is relevant in the current circumstances. He said that records show that data is present but often underutilization. He also highlighted that frequently changing weather patterns and water scarcity are further threatening agricultural productivity. He said that it is need of the hour to act swiftly and wisely to turn research into real solutions for our farmers. He said that the data is available we can to get benefit from it. He added that the university was actively working on precision agriculture and having super computer facility as well. Prof Dr Wu Jun from Guangzhou Institute of Software Application China said that China Pak AI Smart Agriculture Laboratory at UAF is a shining example of our strong scientific cooperation, aiming to bring innovative solutions to agriculture. He said under joint work with UAF, Kisan360 AI driven crop monitoring app has been prepared , which offers farmers tools for crop health monitoring, water status updates, smart fertilizer use and accurate weather forecasts. This app is solving real, on-ground problems for farmers and improving productivity. He said that we welcome Pakistani scholars to pursue post doctorate degrees in China to strengthen our academic and research ties even further. Director CAS Dr Sultan Habib Ullah said that the experts from D8 countries would share their experience about the AI in modern agriculture and come up with the doable solution to address the agrarian challenges. The University of Faisalabad Rector Dr Aman Ullah Malik added that adaptation of modern trends in the agriculture sector was need of hour to feed the ever-increasing population. Dr Saqib Ali talked about the power of AI and High Performance Computing: UAF leap into the future of computing. Dr Muhammad Ahsan Khan also spoke.