California varsity, UAF to strengthen agricultural ties
California State University, Fresno and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation aimed at addressing shared agricultural challenges through joint research, innovation, and academic exchange.
The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Associate Prof Dr Gurreet Brar of California State University and UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali. Former UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Director Horticulture Dr Ahmad Sattar, and Dr Samar Abbas Naqvi also participated in the discussions.
Dr. Brar, who visited the UAF Horticulture Department and interacted with scientists, emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural technologies and crop diversification to meet evolving global demands. Highlighting the importance of international academic collaboration, he advocated for joint initiatives between UAF, California State University, and Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, India.
"Knowledge knows no boundaries," Dr Brar said, underscoring the importance of knowledge exchange in modern agriculture.
"By working together, we can uplift the sector and meet global challenges more effectively."
UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali noted that both universities have enjoyed a long-standing academic relationship, collaborating on various international projects. He stressed the importance of modernizing agriculture to increase per-acre productivity and ensure food security.
"We are actively engaged in joint initiatives with global institutions," he said, "and such partnerships are crucial for the future of sustainable agriculture."
Former Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan emphasised the role of research and farmer support services in improving agricultural output. He cited India's progress under the Lyallpur Agricultural Model as an example of successful integration of academia, research, and extension services.
He also raised concerns over the declining quality and yield of citrus crops in the region and called for urgent action to safeguard citrus farming.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Over five-year period: NA body concerned at data of increase in sugarcane yields
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the data of an increase in sugarcane yields from an average of 600 maunds to 700 maunds per acre over a five-year period. The standing committee which met with MNA Syed Hussain Tariq in the chair, expressed concerns about the data presented during the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) schemes meeting, which claimed an increase in sugarcane yields from an average of 600 maunds to 700 maunds per acre over a five-year period under a project funded with billions of rupees by the ministry. The committee members have doubts over the reliability of this data, noting that it was sourced from sugar mills, which have a tendency to underreport production figures to evade taxes, raising doubts about the accuracy of the reported increase. The committee criticised the modest yield improvement despite heavy public sector investment, calling it an inadequate return on the nation's resources and time. During the meeting, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali delivered a comprehensive briefing on the university's research initiatives and academic scope. He noted that UAF currently enrolls 33,556 students and offers 61 undergraduate, 112 postgraduate, and 225 diploma or short-course programmes. Of its 682 faculty members, 470 hold PhDs. Dr Ali outlined the university's strategic research focus, which includes genetics, seed and breed development, agronomic innovation, agro-technologies, and value addition. He highlighted progress in developing low-input, resource-efficient crops such as new durum wheat varieties. Chairman Tariq emphasised the importance of reducing crop cycles to conserve water and minimise pesticide use—an approach that also lowers the burden on farmers and promotes environmental sustainability. The briefing also showcased notable research progress, including the development of UAF-11, a high-yield Brassica variety, and Okra-3A as part of the vegetable breeding efforts. Further advancements in soybean, maize hybrids, mangoes, citrus fruits, and genetically modified sugarcane highlighted the university's dedication to improving crop yield, quality, and resilience. Dr Ali further informed the committee of the university's collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), focusing on DAP fertiliser production, import substitution, and precision agriculture. He said these efforts incorporate artificial intelligence, climate mitigation strategies, solar energy, and digital agriculture extension services. With 135 active collaborations — 84 international and 51 national—UAF also supports outreach efforts including Chinese language training and skill development for D-8 and OIC member countries. Under PSDP and ADB-funded projects, the university is establishing advanced laboratories for seed testing and certification to align with global export standards, he said. MNAs Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Waseem Qadir, Nadeem Abbas, Chaudhary Iftikhar Nazir, Musarrat Asif Khawaja, Zulfiqar Ali Behan, Usama Hamza, and Muhammad Ameer Sultan and senior officials of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) attended the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Express Tribune
UAF ecologist wins German award
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has conferred the Digital Green Talent Award on Pakistan scientist Dr Muhammad Haroonur Rashid, who is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry & Range Management University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). A spokesman said on Wednesday that this international recognition is awarded to 20 outstanding scientists from around the globe by acknowledging their exceptional contributions to sustainable development. He said that the award is meant to promote the international exchange of innovative green ideas at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable development. It focuses on how digitalization can promote greater sustainability in science and society. Aspiring young scientists are invited to Germany for a three-month research stay to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality, he added. The spokesperson said that Dr Rashid holds a PhD in Forest Ecology and has contributed significantly to sustainable forestry and climate change mitigation. He worked on the Trees Outside Forests project at Michigan State University under USDA funding, focusing on enhancing green cover beyond traditional forest areas. Currently, Dr Haroon is working on the carbon sequestration potential of bamboo, promoting nature-based climate solutions. As the Focal Person of the Green Youth Movement Club at the UAF, he engages youth in climate action.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Pakistani scientists develop chicken that lays 200 eggs a year
Listen to article Pakistani scientists have developed a new breed of chicken capable of laying more than 200 eggs annually, marking a major breakthrough for rural poultry farming. The new breed, named Uni-Gold, was developed by researchers at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). It is designed to thrive in Pakistan's rural environments and endure extreme temperatures, particularly intense heat. One of Uni-Gold's most distinctive features is its ability to produce three times more eggs than a traditional desi hen, despite requiring significantly less feed. This makes it an attractive option for small-scale farmers seeking efficiency and sustainability. According to UAF experts, the breed could be a game-changer for rural poultry farming, helping to meet both egg and meat demands in underserved areas. The university has announced plans to distribute the breed nationwide, aiming to boost local egg production and strengthen rural economies. The low-maintenance nature of Uni-Gold also presents a viable opportunity for rural women to generate income, as it requires minimal resources and care
