Two-day international symposium titled “From Legacy to Innovation: Preserving Agricultural Heritage for the Future”.

FAISALABAD June 22: Experts from Pakistan and abroad on Friday underscored the need to preserve agricultural heritage through museum and make the agricultural advancement with innovation, academic collaboration and community engagement while first Agriculture Museum of Pakistan being established at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad will prove a millstone in this regard. They addressed the opening day of the two-day international symposium titled “From Legacy to Innovation: Preserving Agricultural Heritage for the Future” held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) jointly organized by Institute of Agriculture Extension Education and Rural Development and Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, UAF . Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson and former UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan emphasized the need for modernizing agricultural research and enhancing bilateral technological collaborations to ensure long-term food security and institutional growth. He said Punjab Agricultural College & Research Institute, Lyallpur now University of Agriculture Faisalabad was the first ever agriculture institution in the subcontinent set up on the recommendation of Famine Commission UAF’s old campus was architected by renowned Bhai Ram Singh. Highlighting the historic and ongoing partnership between the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) and Washington State University (WSU)—a foundational relationship that dates back to 1961 when UAF was established as a university under the auspices of USAID and WSU. He said that in the 1950s, the Harvard Advisory Group (HAG) played a foundational role in shaping Pakistan’s agricultural and economic policies. While the HAG was instrumental in the 1961 by upgrading of the Punjab Agricultural College (Lyallpur) into the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). And 100 foreign scholarship were provided. Reflecting on the deeper heritage of this partnership, Dr. Khan made special mention of the "American Colony at UAF—the residential hub established on campus during the 1960s to house 13 American scientists, professors who stayed here for ten years. He noted that the Colony stands as a living historical monument to Pak-US academic integration, symbolizing an era where international experts lived alongside local faculty to co-create Pakistan's modern agricultural framework. Speaking on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that preserving agricultural heritage was vital for ensuring sustainable food systems and connecting future generations with traditional farming wisdom. It will be the first agriculture museum of its kind in Pakistan with an indoor display area of 55,000 square feet and an outdoor area of 32,000 square feet. Visitors will walk through 30 plus indoor galleries and a Hall of Fame, exploring everything from traditional farming tools and indigenous seeds to modern innovations like hydroponic and greenhouse models. WSU Vice President International Program Dr Paul Whitney, addressing the symposium online, stressed the importance of academic collaborations in building resilient farming communities and promoting innovation. Former Vice President International Programs at Washington State University (WSU) Dr Asif Ch said that the relationship between the two premier institutions has thrived since UAF’s inception, evolving from structural development to cutting-edge research collaborations. He said WSU collaborated advanced research technology and elite genetic lines particulate heat tolerant wheat to UAF . Muhammad Ejaz Qureshi of the Australian National University, emphasized Pakistan can benefit from integrating indigenous knowledge into regenerative agriculture. He said that agricultural heritage is a vital resource for future resilience Prof. Dr. Kulvinder S. Gill of Washington State University emphasized that universities traditionally prioritize publications, citations, and academic freedom, while industry operates on principles of profitability. He stressed upon hybrid approaches that combine scientific with local knowledge, while also incentivizing faculty and institutions to engage more actively with industry. He said that bridging this gap is essential if Pakistan is to harness university-led innovations for agricultural resilience and food security. Founding Pro-Vice Chancellor Institute of Art and Culture Prof Pervaiz Vandal shed light on Bhai Ram Singh who left significant mark on architectural having designed some famous buildings such as Mayo School of Art (now the National College of Arts) Lahore Museum, Aitchison College, Punjab University, Albert Victor Hospital, Islamia College Peshawar, Khalsa College Amritsar, Governor House of Simla and world famous Darbar room in Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer home on the Isle of Wight in the UK. Museum Consultant Sadia Zainab said that the museum will also house specialized learning facilities, including a Herbarium, a Flora and Fauna Center, a Discovery Center, and interactive digital exhibits using VR, audio guides, and projection systems. Outdoors, a traditional village setup, and demonstration models of modern crop production await visitors.