Australian High Commissioner H.E Neil Hawkins.

FAISALABAD September 17: Australian High Commissioner H.E Neil Hawkins reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s agricultural sector, food security and joint efforts to cope with climate changes issues. He visited University of Agriculture Faisalabad and called on UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, deans, directors and UAF faculty alumni from Australian universities. He said that Australia was working in Pakistan on agriculture sector over 40 years. Agriculture and water was about tackling climate changes and together, we can overcome some of these challenges. He said the UAF scientists’ close cooperation with Australia will help address the agricultural and climate changesissue. He said Australia is a key research partner for Pakistan due to its deep expertise in agriculture, livestock production and water management, which is directly relevant to the challenges faced by Pakistan agriculture. ACIAR works closely with the Pakistan to provide research and development and capacity-building. He urged to get the added that Australia He said that we need to learn from each other’s experiences. He said that the ground water in Pakistan is gradually decreasing and deteriorating which is a challenge. The policy about the ground water after solar pumps needs to be revisited. He appreciated the education and research of the UAF and congratulated Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that UAF has been partnered with Australia in 29 projects in mango, citrus, pulses value chain and other areas of the agricultural cooperation that bring tangible results to combat different issues. He said that the country was facing severe water issues in term of deteriorating water quality, floods, drought like issue. He added that the Australia was having the sophisticated water conservation and efficient management technologies on which we should enhance the collaboration. He added that the gigantic climate changes are posing a serious threat to the agriculture sector for which we have to pace up the efforts to ensure the food for the ever-increasing population. He lauded the Australia efforts to strengthen agriculture sector and providing the support.