KARACHI: The Engro Learning Centre (ELC) was inaugurated by Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahania Gardezi at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Thursday, a press release said.

Engro Fertiliser CEO Nadir S. Qureshi and UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar A. Khan were present at the event.

Established by Engro Fertilisers Limited, the solar-powered ELC is the first-of-its-kind academia-industry partnership aimed at bringing together expertise from both sectors to develop innovative solutions and skill-based programmes that will uplift the agricultural sector of Pakistan, the press release said.

A memorandum of collaboration was signed between Engro Fertilisers and UAF to conduct research and development projects for improving crop yields, food quality, farmer profitability and outreach programmes, and capacity-building of the university’s students.

Mr Qureshi said ELC would prove to be a step in the right direction to equip farmers with knowledge on modern practices and technology that can help boost farm economics and bolster food security in the country and help Pakistan reclaim its title as the “granary of Asia”.

Dr Khan said academia-industry linkages to commercialise technologies and conduct outreach programmes was the need of the hour.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2021