FAISALABAD, Jan 15: The Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Director-General, Dr Ghulam Ahmad Chaudhry, died of a cardiac arrest here on Thursday. The late Dr Chaudhry served the agriculture department for more than 35 years in various capacities. He retired in December 2002 but was given two years' extension in service by the Punjab chief minister.

He contributed towards the development of Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal, where he served for about 20 years as director. He was given several honours for his contribution towards the development of agricultural sciences.

A large number of agricultural scientists, research workers of the NIBHE, the NIAB and the Punjab Forest Research Institute, teachers of the Agricultural University and officials of the Punjab Agriculture Department attended the funeral prayers. He was laid to rest at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute graveyard.