TOBA TEK SINGH: The farming community must adopt recommendations by experts to increase productivity as 90 per cent of the agricultural soil is nitrogen deficient, whereas 15 to 20 per cent post-harvest losses are adding to the burden on farmers.

It was stated by experts on Friday in a meeting with farmers arranged by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) at Moza Khai, Faisalabad.

UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said crop-wise collaborative efforts were being enhanced to address agricultural challenges and introduce modern technology among farmers. He also underlined the need to map out the strengths and weaknesses in the agriculture sector. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of the government for agricultural development for addressing issues faced by farmers.

Agriculture Dean Prof Dr Ghulam Murtaza said that irrational usage of inputs was increasing the cost of production. He urged the farmers to follow the experts’ advice regarding inputs, mechanisation, varieties, and efficient water techniques.

Ayub Research Wheat Chief Scientist Dr Javed Ahmad urged wheat growers to adopt the latest techniques to decrease post-harvest losses.

Dr Khalid Mehmood, Dr Amir Maqsood, Dr Muhammad Sabir, Fatima Group Deputy Manager Muhammad Imran, Dr Babar Shahbaz, Dr Ikhlaq Mudassar, Amanant Ali, Dr Muhammad Kahsif, Dr Muhammad Aslam, Dr Rizwana Maqbol and Dr Khalid Pervez also spoke.

RANKING: The Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) has achieved a significant milestone in international academia, with five of its disciplines featured in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

A statement released on Friday said that the rankings had placed agriculture in the 301–350 band, pharmacy in 351–400, while chemistry and mathematics had secured positions in the 451–500 range. Biology was ranked in the 601–650 band worldwide.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam congratulated the faculty, students, and the entire GCUF community on the accomplishment. He said that recognition at an international level was a testament to the collective efforts of the university’s academic and research community.

HONEY-TRAP: The Faisalabad police arrested a woman for involvement in a honey-trap rape case.

Circle inspector Naila Zafar claimed in her FIR that accused Muhammad Shafiq of Jaranwala was arrested for raping Safia Naeem and after arresting Shafiq, police produced him before a magistrate to obtain his remand. However, the FIR claimed that the victim informed the court that Shafiq was not the rapist.

The FIR claimed that the victim had conspired with the accused and got him discharged from the court.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2026