FAISALABAD, Oct 22 (APP):Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said on Thursday that the agricultural productivity and food security depend on linking scientific research with farmers’ needs, strengthening agriculture industry and removing barriers to transform agricultural innovation.
During meeting with a CropLife Pakistan delegation, Dr Zulfiqar stressed that research must translate into commercially viable technologies and practical solutions for farmers, rather than remain confined to academic institutions.
The delegation included CropLife Pakistan Executive Director Rasheed Ahmad, Executive Committee Member Ahmad Ali, Senior Vice Chairman Talal Hakeem and member Irfanul Haq. The meeting also discussed the biosafety policy and coexistence of genetically modified and conventional crops.
The meeting was attended by Chairman Plant Breeding and Genetics Dr Azeem Iqbal Khan, Director Center for Advanced Studies Dr Bushra Sadia, Director Research Dr Sultan Habibullah, Director Farms Dr Muhammad Aslam, Director Seed Center Dr Muhammad Tehseen Azhar, Director External Linkages Dr Iqrar rana, Dr Ghulam Mustafa and other notables.
Prof Zulfiqar Ali said that UAF was ready to develop joint research and incubation initiatives with industry and provide technical expertise to improve productivity in different crops including maize, rice, cotton, potato, livestock and others.
However, he cautioned that introducing new crops without certified seed production, processing facilities and reliable market outlets could expose farmers to financial losses and discourage them from adopting modern practices.
He proposed a four-pronged strategy with industry for agricultural transformation, focusing on farmer training and demonstration, modern adapted technologies, academia-industry collaboration and food security.
He stressed the need to equip small farmers with practical knowledge to manage financial risks and adopt modern techniques suited to local conditions.
He called for enhanced role of media to communicate scientific findings accurately to counter misinformation about agricultural technologies.
CropLife Pakistan Executive Director Rasheed Ahmad said that they were meant to promote knowledge and technologies that could improve farm productivity and support sustainable agricultural development.
Citing local trials, he claimed genetically modified (GM) maize hybrids had delivered yield advantages of 10 to 46 per cent over leading commercial hybrids, with potential benefits for farmers’ incomes and national food and feed security.
Senior Vice Chairman Talal Hakeem said that they supported strict quality standards and biosafety requirements but maintained that regulatory decisions should be based on transparent scientific assessments and consultations with researchers, universities and private-sector stakeholders.
He also urged UAF to convene an open consultative session to examine concerns surrounding private-sector participation, seed security and market competition.
Dr Azeem Iqbal stressed the need of proper planning and tangible work based on scientific bases for GM crops propagation.
He called for a coordinated strategy involving universities, research institutions, private companies and farmers, with particular emphasis on strengthening agricultural extension services and adapting technologies to local soil conditions and economic realities.
Dr Bushra Sadia said that the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy 2025 marks and significant step towards placing Pakistan’s agriculture on a modern, science-based and innovation-driven path.
She said that NABP provides a robust framework to enhance agricultural productivity, encourage innovation, attract investment, and ensure the responsible and efficient use of biotechnology.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
