Latest news with #AltafAliSiyal
Business Recorder
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SAU Syndicate approves academic, financial, governance reforms
HYDERABAD: The Syndicate of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, chaired by Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, convened a high-level meeting to review and approve a wide range of academic, financial, and administrative matters of institutional importance. The meeting commenced with unanimous confirmation of the minutes and approval of the implementation of decisions made during the 117th Syndicate meeting held on October 25, 2024. The Syndicate also endorsed various academic initiatives taken by the Vice Chancellor in recent months, aimed at enhancing academic continuity, strengthening educational delivery, and improving administrative efficiency. The Syndicate formally approved the university's annual accounts for the fiscal year 2023–24, along with the revised budget for 2024–25 and the budget estimates for 2025–26. These financial matters had previously been reviewed and recommended by the Finance and Planning Committee (FPC) in its meeting held on June 30, 2025. In accordance with the directives of the Government of Sindh, the forum ratified the implementation of the Ad-Hoc Relief Allowance 2025 and the increase in pensions for retired employees of the university. Additionally, the Third-Party Audit Report for the financial year 2023–24 was presented and formally approved. In support of staff welfare, the Syndicate approved an increase in the minimum wage for contingent and daily-wage workers in line with the provincial minimum wage policy. It also sanctioned an enhancement in impress and contingent allocations to sectional heads, with the objective of ensuring smooth and efficient functioning at the departmental level. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indigenous livestock breeds: Indonesia seeks research partnership with SAU
HYDERABAD: In a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation in agriculture and livestock innovation, a high-level delegation from the Consulate General of Indonesia in Karachi visited Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam to explore collaborative research on Sindh's indigenous breeds of cattle, goats, and sheep. Led by Acting Consul General Dewanto Priyokousumo, the Indonesian delegation expressed keen interest in developing academic and technical partnerships between Indonesian institutions and SAU. The discussions focused on breed improvement, food security, and climate-resilient livestock production, with a special emphasis on facilitating faculty, expert, and student exchange programs. During an in-depth meeting held at the university's Committee Room, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted SAU's expertise and ongoing initiatives in genetic conservation and livestock productivity. He underscored the university's research on native breeds such as Red Sindhi and Tharparkar cattle, and goats including Kamori, Tapri, Bari, and Pateri, along with the Dumbi sheep. 'These local breeds are critical to the rural economy and possess natural resistance to climate stress, heat, and disease. Their low-input, high-output potential makes them globally significant for sustainable agriculture,' said Dr. Siyal. He further noted that SAU is actively working with national and international organizations to conserve and improve these valuable genetic resources. Acting Consul General Dewanto Priyokousumo praised the scientific leadership of SAU and emphasized Indonesia's intention to initiate bilateral academic agreements that address shared priorities in food and animal nutrition. He noted the strong alignment between Indonesia's needs and SAU's expertise in climate-adapted livestock research. Arya Polosy, Consul for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs, stated that the delegation aimed to identify collaboration opportunities not only with the university but also with the Government of Sindh. He expressed optimism about launching joint projects that could strengthen agricultural innovation and food systems in both countries. The visiting delegation toured key facilities at the university including the Animal Reproduction Model Farm, Institute of Food Science and Technology, M.H. Panhwar Farms, and other research units. Detailed briefings were given on the university's academic initiatives, innovation projects, and field-based research. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Science
- Business Recorder
Climate-resilient agriculture: SAU, FAO agree to expand collaboration
HYDERABAD: In a concerted effort to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water use in Sindh, the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have agreed to deepen their cooperation on joint initiatives. The agreement was reached during a high-level review meeting held at FAO's provincial office in Tandojam on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor of SAU, and Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan. Also present were Dr. Julius Muchemi, Head of FAO Sindh Office; Ms. Emelda Berejena, Project Manager of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported initiative; Ms. Amna Bajwa, Programme Head; along with other technical experts. Participants reviewed the progress of several collaborative projects between SAU and FAO, particularly in climate-vulnerable districts such as Umerkot, Sanghar, and Badin. These joint efforts aim to promote adaptive farming practices through improved irrigation efficiency, short-duration crops, intercropping, seed development, and agricultural marketing. Highlighting the university's contributions, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal noted that SAU experts are working directly with farmers to pilot innovative techniques and conduct field-based training. He added that the university's FLUX Tower is actively recording meteorological data to support crop planning and early warning systems. Additionally, SAU's communication team is conducting outreach and awareness programs, while university graduates working with FAO are contributing to food security initiatives in the field. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Florence Rolle emphasized that with the support of the Green Climate Fund, FAO has initiated the installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across Sindh to strengthen data-driven agricultural decision-making. 'Our goal is to ensure that these tools enhance local planning and pave the way for sustainable development,' she stated. Dr. Julius Muchemi shared that nine AWS units are currently being installed in Sanghar, Badin, and Umerkot. These stations will continuously monitor key agro-meteorological parameters, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, soil temperature, and electrical conductivity. Ms. Emelda Berejena further elaborated on the broader institutional platform being developed through FAO's collaboration with SAU, research centres, and agricultural extension departments. 'This integrated framework is bridging science, technology, and farming communities to build long-term climate resilience,' she said. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance institutional engagement, strengthen climate-smart agriculture, and scale up collaborative research and planning efforts across Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Science
- Business Recorder
Climate training programme launched
HYDERABAD: In a major step toward climate-resilient agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, has launched a comprehensive training program for agricultural experts from SAU and other provincial and federal agricultural research institutions. The initiative aims to equip professionals with the skills to utilize climate data and modern technology in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. As part of the program, Dr. Michiaki Sugita, Meritorious Professor at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and an Evapotranspiration (ET) expert with FAO, visited SAU. During his visit, Dr. Sugita inspected the advanced Flux Tower installed at the university's Latif Experimental Farm. The tower captures detailed atmospheric and environmental data, playing a critical role in supporting climate-Resilient agricultural research. Dr. Michiaki Sugita was briefed on the tower's data acquisition capabilities, storage systems, and ongoing applications in research. He also met with SAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss the importance of utilizing real-time environmental data for academic research, student training, and knowledge transfer to farmers. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal noted that Sindh is among the regions' most vulnerable to climate change globally, stressing the urgency of adopting science-based agricultural strategies. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Over 6,000 students benefit from PM's Laptop Scheme at SAU: VC
HYDERABAD: As part of the Prime Minister's Youth Laptop Scheme, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam distributed laptops among 11 high-performing students during a ceremony held on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said that over 6,000 students have benefitted from the scheme at the university so far. He emphasized that merit-based opportunities for laptops and scholarships will continue to be extended to deserving students in the future. 'In today's technology-driven world, progress without computers and information technology is unimaginable. IT is playing a crucial role not only in economic development but also in national defense,' said Dr. Siyal. He encouraged students to harness the power of technology to create career opportunities from home and called upon the government to extend the laptop scheme to the college level while promoting IT education at all tiers. Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Aijaz Ali Khooharo noted that laptops previously delayed due to administrative hurdles have now been distributed strictly on academic merit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
