Latest news with #UniversityofAgricultureFaisalabad
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Russian envoy meets UAF vice chancellor
FAISALABAD: Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev has said that the educational and research ties especially between Russian universities and University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) will be further strengthened to learn from each other's experiences. He along with Education and Cultural Attaché Alina Kolesnikov visited UAF and called on UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of UAF to address the agricultural challenges and ensure the food security. He said that his visit was aimed at further improving the bilateral ties. The areas of collaboration in academia and research including students exchange programs came under discussion. The meeting also discussed the possibilities of joint degree program, establishment of cultural center and short courses of Russian language. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that collaboration with international partners, including Russia, could open new avenues for joint research, faculty exchange and student mobility which ultimately will benefit both nations in the fields of research, advancement and education. He highlighted the immense potential and ongoing contributions of the university in the global academic and research landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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.
Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Politics
- 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
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
UAF observes Youm-i-Tashakur
FAISALABAD: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad observed Youm-i-Tashakur for giving a befitting response to Indian aggression against Pakistan and on the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. They paid tribute to valour and gallantry shown by armed forces of the country in foiling the aggression and evil designs of the enemy against the country. Led by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Youm-i-Tashakur rally was taken out from Iqbal Auditorium to University Clock Tower. They expressed their unity and love with the armed forces of the country, who have earned the global recognition and made the nation proud at the international level because of their gallantry and courage. Former Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan also participated. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that the armed forces are proud of our country who are safeguarding the country with all-out efforts and sacrifices and proven it as one of the best of the armies of the world. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Gulf News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Pakistan's new UniGold chicken lays over 200 eggs a year and ensures food security
Dubai: Imagine a chicken that lays more than 200 eggs a year, eats less, handles the heat, and thrives in your backyard. That is exactly what Pakistani scientists have just delivered with UniGold, a newly developed breed from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). UniGold lays up to 212 eggs annually, compared to just 70–80 from local hens. It's bred to suit the realities of rural Pakistan with low feed availability, hot weather, and limited infrastructure. Backyard poultry As Pakistan grapples with rising food costs and continued dependence on imported poultry breeds, the new chicken breed named UniGold that lays over 200 eggs a year—nearly three times more than traditional local hens - -provides a homegrown solution to shortage of poultry products in Pakistan. The breakthrough promises to strengthen rural incomes, empower women, and boost national food security. It is also great news for women in agriculture, who are often the caretakers of backyard poultry. Funded by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), the UniGold project is a strategic effort to decrease Pakistan's reliance on imported poultry stock, such as Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red breeds, reported Geo TV. Developed at UAF's Institute of Animal Sciences, UniGold is specially bred for backyard poultry farming. It thrives in low- to medium-input systems common in central and southern Punjab, requires less feed, and can withstand high temperatures—a vital trait in a country increasingly affected by climate change. UniGold super hens UniGold hens reach laying maturity by 25–26 weeks and achieve peak productivity rates of up to 83.2% by 32 weeks of age. Each egg weighs an average of 52 grams—around 25% more than those from native hens. Rural poultry accounts for about 36% of Pakistan's total egg production, with women playing a central role in its management. The higher yield from UniGold could significantly improve household nutrition and incomes, especially among landless farmers and vulnerable rural communities.
