FAISALABAD, April 8: University of Agriculture vice-chancellor Dr Bashir Ahmad has said revival of agriculture and horticulture in earthquake hit areas was the need of hour. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of a training course on ‘Floriculture and landscape for in-service officers,’ organised by the Institute of Horticultural Sciences here on Saturday.

He said the participants in the training course would be involved in future rehabilitation programme for the earthquake victims through various activities such as development and beautification work at new towns and cities.

Dr Bashir said the university had been involved in rehabilitation activities at the earthquake hit areas and this was another opportunity for its scientists to participate in a sacred work.

He lauded the efforts of parks and horticulture organisations of AJK for providing the opportunity to the university scientists to extend their services to strengthen the infrastructure through training of in-service officers.

AJK Parks and Horticulture director Abdul Shakoor in his welcome address said there was a great scope for floriculture and horticulture in AJK.

Institute of Horticultural Sciences director Dr Aslam Pervaiz highlighted the importance of floriculture and horticultural short course arranged for the AJK officers and said the IHS had extended its services to various areas of the country.

He said a botanical garden in Governor’s House, Lahore, was being maintained by the IHS.

Dr Bashir Ahmad later distributed certificates among the training course participants.