KARACHI, Oct 11: The University of Karachi has agreed on establishment of a sugar technology research institute at the department of food science and technology on a proposal forwarded by the Pakistan Society of Sugar Technologists (PSST).

In an official communication to the PSST president, KU vice- chancellor Dr Zafar Saied Saify said sugar industry had during the last decade experienced several ups and downs.

“The university would like to assist this industry in making it a viable one and to achieve this objective we would suggest that all the by-products of sugar industry be fully exploited,” he said and added that all the research and development activities would be undertaken by the scientists, working at the varsity with complete vigour and abilities.

The KU has recently been declared as the best university of the country and it has got the capability and facilities to provide sufficient research assistance for the sugar industry in the best national interest, he said, adding that the KU was determined to conduct research on issues and problems of national interest.

He said all the lab facilities related to sugar cane, sugar research, treatment of several sugar-related viral diseases, pest control would be provided and other research activities would be carried out in collaboration with Dr A.Q. Khan Institute at the University.

In addition, the KU has the faculty of pharmacy with sophisticated research equipment, besides the HEJ Institute of Chemistry and all these facilities would be helpful for enhancing sugar crops.

The Syedena Burhanuddin Institute of Genetics is also playing a pivotal role in research activities and the varsity could offer the proposed institute’s services to the National Sugar Crops Research Institute, Thatta, and would also be able to provide all the facilities necessary for the improvement of sugar industry.

The HEJ Institute has signed an MoU with Sindh University to train the students of the University.—PPI