TOBA TEK SINGH: University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan highlighted on Tuesday decreasing soil fertility leading to widespread zinc and iron deficiency among the population.
He emphasised the need for national-level efforts to address the concern.
During a discussion with a delegation from the Foreign Service of Pakistan, led by Programmes Director Fauzia Fiaz, Dr Khan also expressed concern over the conversion of fertile agricultural land into residential colonies due to urbanisation.
He stressed the importance of taking initiative to ensure food security for the ever-increasing population. Dr Khan further noted the decline in interest among farmers’ children to continue farming due to low profits.
Highlighting the potential of modern agricultural practices, Dr Khan mentioned that while the technology for higher crop yields exists, farmers are often reluctant to adopt it due to lack of awareness or affordability issues.
He drew attention to the green revolution of the 1960s, which saw a significant increase in wheat yields with the introduction of a new seed variety called MaxiPak.
He pointed out that times have changed since then, with the emergence of genetically modified (GM) crops, precision technologies, value addition, and better trade and marketing options.
Dr Khan supported clear regulations on seed imports to allow the introduction of GM seeds. Discussing soybean cultivation, he highlighted the country’s reliance on soybean imports for animal feed and emphasized the potential to boost soybean productivity through modern techniques.
To address these issues, the UAF has established 100 demonstration fields for newly developed high-yielding soybean varieties, with plans to increase the number to 1,000 in the next year in collaboration with provincial and federal governments.
Dr. Khan assured that the university is taking all possible measures to address agricultural challenges.
In a separate ceremony, Dr Khan administered the oath to the newly elected office bearers of the Students Council.
Usman Sarwar was declared as the president of the council, with Samia Hassan serving senior vice president, Muhammad Aftab Akram vice president, Arbaz Fatima general secretary, Ambreen Khalid joint secretary, Kiran Fatima finance secretary, Jamsheed Ali Badar press secretary, Samra Hafeez associate press secretary, Zakaullah sports secretary, and Meerab Khan associate sports secretary.
The councillors include Muhammad Awais Nasir, Tehreem, Ahmad Abdul Rehman, Iqra Nadeem, Muhammad Arham, Abdullah Ali, Mamona Khalid, and Muhammad Akram.
The director of student affairs is the convener of the UAF Student Council. Dean of Agriculture, Prof Dr Muhammad Sarwar, and Principal Officer of Student Affairs Prof Dr Shahbaz Talib Sahi, also addressed the gathering.
Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2023