TOBA TEK SINGH: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has announced developing the country’s first multi-functional vegetable nursery transplanter (MFVNT) aimed at reducing the cost of production and increasing productivity for profitable agriculture.

An event was jointly organised by the Department of Irrigation & Drainage, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, WMRC and Agricultural Mechanisation Research Institute (AMRI) Multan under PARB Project (22-390) on Wednesday to demonstrate and create awareness about the MFVNT at the Water Management Research Center (WMRC).

The transplanter is capable of performing multiple operations at one time, including preparation of two beds, mulch and drip lateral placement and transplanting of four rows of multiple vegetables.

WMRC Director Dr Muhammad Zaman, while demonstrating the transplanter, said that mechanised transplanting plays a vital role in efficient water management. He said that uniform planting and proper spacing help in better irrigation scheduling, reducing water wastage and improving nutrient utilisation. He added that such innovations were crucial in the context of climate change and water scarcity, as these promoted sustainable agricultural practices.

Irrigation and Drainage Chairman Dr Muhammad Adnan Shahid highlighted the importance of adopting modern and efficient irrigation systems to address water scarcity challenges. He said that bucket irrigation provides a low-cost and practical solution for small farmers, ensuring that water reaches the root zone with minimal wastage.

Arid Agriculture University former vice chancellor Dr Rai Niaz said that smart drip irrigation uses sensors and automation to supply water according to crop needs, while smart gun irrigation ensures uniform water distribution over large areas. He emphasised that these technologies collectively promote water conservation, higher productivity and sustainable agriculture.

Agricultural Mechanisation Research Institute (AMRI) Multan Additional Director General Eng Shehzad Ahmed emphasised that the transplanter was designed according to local field conditions and farmers’ needs. He further highlighted that this technology would not only reduce operational costs but also improve plant survival rate and overall field efficiency.

Vegetable Research Institute Deputy Director Muhammad Sajjad said that vegetable production in Pakistan largely depended on manual transplanting, which was labour intensive, time-consuming and costly. He said that keeping in view the increasing labour shortage and rising production costs, the MFVNT had been introduced as an efficient and cost-effective solution which would help in not only decreasing the cost but improve the quality of vegetables.

ACCIDENT: Two persons died when a speeding bus hit a loader motorcycle rickshaw transporting a bull near Chak 351 GB Nagra on the Toba-Chichawatni Road on Wednesday.

According to Rescue 1122, the bus was going to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad, while the rickshaw was coming from the opposite direction. As a result of the collision, both the rickshaw driver identified as Shehroze Akbar (25) of Chak 284 GB died and bull owner Muhammad Shabbir (65) of Chak 336 GB Saraba was shifted to the DHQ Hospital where he also succumbed to his wounds. The bus driver fled the scene leaving his vehicle on the road, which was impounded by the Rajana Police.

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old student identified as Muhammad Sayem of Ghousia Colony was seriously injured after a speeding motorcycle hit his bicycle at Mamukanjan, Tandlianwala near the Bangla Chowk. He was taken to the Mamukanjan RHC, where he succumbed to his injuries.

MURDER: A man was allegedly murdered by unidentified persons near Gojra Chak 358 JB Dullam on Wednesday.

Police said deceased Muhammad Nisar Warraich of Chak 306 JB was on his way on a motorcycle to a village when attackers opened fire on him. Police said that he received multiple bullets and was critically injured and died instantly. The Gojra Saddar police were investigating the incident.

In another similar incident, motorway police inspector Atif Irshad was shot dead by his brother in Chak 99 GB Faisalabad.

The Jaranwala Saddar Police said that accused Abdul Islam was a drug addict and the deceased often forbade him from using narcotics over which he killed Atif.

Meanwhile, a youth committed suicide in Chak 18 Nankana Sahib after quarreling with his parents over monetary issues.

The Syedwala Police said deceased Muhammad Waqar (18) locked himself in a room and shot himself.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2026