RAWALPINDI: The horticulture sector has great potential and is the backbone of Pakistani agriculture, Federal Minister for Education Balighur Rehman said at the inauguration of a horticulture conference on Wednesday.

Speaking at the three-day International Horticulture Conference, held at the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Mr Rehman emphasised the value addition of horticulture produce and said research on horticultural plants and related aspects needed to be promoted for food security in the country.

The conference was organised by the university’s Department of Horticulture, the Higher Education Commission and the Pakistan Society for Horticulture Science. It aims to identify gaps and priorities for sustainable development in horticulture and facilitate networking, collaboration and the exchange of ideas with international experts.

Three-day International Horticulture Conference begins at arid agriculture university

The minister emphasised olive cultivation, saying Pakistani land was suitable in this regard. He also highlighted the need for water conservation by introducing innovative irrigation techniques, such as sprinkler and drip irrigation, to ensure maximum productivity.

He said agrarian productivity could be increased manifold by transferring modern technology to small farmers. He said hydroponic or soilless systems are a milestone in increasing the capability of agro-products, and the Arid Agriculture University should train farmers to use this technology and increase production.

While discussing the achievements of the incumbent government, Mr Rehman said it had taken a number of steps to give more attention to the educational sector by increasing the education budget from Rs41 billion to Rs90bn.

He also said that improvement in the country’s economy and energy crisis would only have been possible because the government’s policies and dedication, which have been acknowledged by leading international organisations.

He also praised the conference organisations, saying that eminent scientists, educationists and researchers from various countries would share their research, opening new avenues for scholars at agriculture universities and contributing to the wellbeing of farmers.

The university’s vice chancellor, Prof Dr Sarwat N. Mirza said he hoped the conference would bring a positive change and push people to play a role in the growth of horticulture, particularly in the Potohar region.

He said processed horticultural produce has tremendous export potential due to high demand in the export market for graded fruit, citrus juice, mango pulp and so on. He said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor would further boost horticulture commodities.

Prof Dr Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, the dean of the Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences delivered the keynote address at the conference, during which he explained the horticulture sector in great detail.

He also spoke about the horticulture scope in Pakistan, its production technologies, supply chain systems and postharvest management to enhance the quality and quantity of produce.

Delegates from China, Italy and Netherlands are participating in the conference, which will focus on various aspects of horticulture including production technologies, nutrition, pre and postharvest physiology, value addition, supply chains, insect and disease management, propagation and nursery certification systems, biotechnology/tissue culture, market opportunities and challenges.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2018