Global Rice News

Promotion of agricultural recommendations and innovative technology is crucial for achieving self-sufficiency and earning foreign exchange for Pakistan. According to Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Faisalabad (UAF), progressive farmers are able to produce more than 60 maunds per acre of wheat, compared to the national average of 32 maunds per acre.

In a meeting with the delegation of the 29th Diplomatic Course of Foreign Service Academy, Dr. Iqrar Ahmad emphasized the importance of timely sowing, balanced use of fertilizers, and the introduction of improved crop varieties to increase productivity. He also highlighted that Pakistan has a surplus of rice and corn, and credited the UAF for its production of various high-quality crops such as cotton, wheat, chickpeas, soybeans, sugarcane, chia, and mango, which have contributed to agricultural development in the country.

Dr. Iqrar Ahmad further mentioned that the UAF has established strong academic and research relations with several countries across the globe. The university is actively engaged in various projects, including the Center for Advanced Studies, Pak Korea Nutrition Center, Chinese Confucius Center, International Seed Lab, and more, with international cooperation. These initiatives aim to enhance agricultural practices and promote knowledge sharing in the field.

The UAF has also played a significant role in educating farmers about best practices. In collaboration with the Agriculture Extension Department Punjab, the university organized a wheat production campaign from November 7 to 14, during which 33,000 university students visited villages across the province to disseminate recommendations from agricultural experts to farmers.

The meeting was attended by esteemed individuals including Pro-Vice Chancellor/Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Deans Dr. Qamar Bilal, Dr. Farzana Rizvi, Dr. Ijaz Ahmed Bhatti, Dr. Khalid Mushtaq, Principal Officer Public Relations Officer Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif, and Director General National Institute of Food Science and Technology Dr. Imran Pasha.

In conclusion, the promotion of agricultural advancements and the adoption of modern techniques are vital for Pakistan’s quest to achieve self-sufficiency and boost its economy through agricultural exports. The UAF, with its research, academic collaborations, and farmer education initiatives, is at the forefront of these efforts.

Source: [Nation](https://www.nation.com.pk)