RAWALPINDI: Minister for Agriculture Punjab, Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, accompanied by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, visited Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Saturday. They were warmly welcomed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, along with the Registrar, Deans, Directors, and faculty members.
Minister Tours PMAS-AAUR Research and Innovation Facilities
During the visit, the Minister and Secretary Agriculture toured key university facilities, including the Center for Precision Agriculture, the China–Pakistan Research & Development Center for Modern Agriculture and Efficient Water Technologies, and the Green AI Hydroponic Unit. The tour highlighted the university’s advancements in modern agricultural technologies and contributions to farmer awareness and capacity building.
PMAS-AAUR Showcases Technology-Driven Farming Interventions
The Minister chaired a meeting where Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman presented ongoing projects and interventions aimed at transforming traditional farming systems through research-backed, technology-driven solutions. The Minister praised the university’s leadership in implementing the Chief Minister Punjab’s Agriculture Transformation Plan in the Potohar region.
Emphasis on Academia–Industry–Government Collaboration
Minister Kirmani underscored the role of universities as hubs of research, innovation, and technology transfer. He stressed the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government to achieve sustainable agricultural growth. He instructed PMAS-AAUR to prepare additional proposals focused on improving agriculture in Potohar and highlighted hydroponic agriculture as a key technology for boosting production and food security.
Secretary Agriculture Highlights Field-Level Farmer Support
Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, briefed the Minister on the department’s efforts to strengthen coordination with agricultural universities. He noted that committees have been formed to identify field-level challenges faced by farmers and develop research-backed solutions, emphasizing the value of joint projects between PMAS-AAUR and the Agriculture Department.
PMAS-AAUR Reaffirms Commitment to Punjab’s Agriculture Goals
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman thanked the Minister for the visit and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the CM Punjab’s Agriculture Transformation Plan. He highlighted ongoing mega projects, farmer training workshops, and the development of indigenous, affordable modern technologies. The Vice Chancellor also noted multiple patents filed by faculty experts to promote innovative agricultural solutions.
Visit Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Agricultural Innovation
The visit concluded with a renewed pledge to accelerate agricultural innovation, strengthen partnerships, and uplift farming communities across the Potohar region.
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