Latest news with #IqrarAhmadKhan
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
'Revival of cooperatives to tackle food insecurity'
Experts at an international conference held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have urged the revival of cooperative systems as a pathway to sustainable agricultural and rural development in Pakistan. The event was organised by the Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education and Rural Development in collaboration with the Punjab Cooperative Department. Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission, Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, highlighted that cooperatives globally play a vital role in addressing the economic, social, and cultural needs of communities. He warned that rapid urbanization and conversion of agricultural land into housing schemes threaten food security and rural livelihoods. Cooperatives, he noted, can empower farmers by improving access to technology and increasing productivity and income. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali noted that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations.
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
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.
