Latest news with #ZulfiqarAli
Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab forms task force to boost agri research links
LAHORE: The Punjab government has constituted a task force to enhance coordination between academia and research institutions and to develop a joint strategy aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector. The task force will submit its recommendations within 15 days which will then be forwarded to the Chief Minister of Punjab for approval. Members of the task force will maintain their individual identities while fostering greater collaboration and promoting research. Additionally, coordination with the private sector and international institutions will also be ensured. The formation of the task force was ordered by Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, during a meeting held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The meeting was attended by UAF Vice Chancellor Zulfiqar Ali, Chairman of the National Seed Authority Dr Asif Ali, Chief Executive of PARB Dr Abid Mahmood, Consultant to the Punjab Agriculture Department Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali, along with agricultural experts and researchers. Addressing the meeting, the secretary of Agriculture emphasised that in order to modernise the agriculture sector all stakeholders must adopt a joint strategy. He noted that stronger coordination between academia and research institutions would yield better outcomes. He added that the government is generously allocating resources to revive the agriculture sector, and a consultative session has already been held with all relevant stakeholders in this regard. He further stressed that practical measures grounded in modern research are essential to boost agricultural productivity. Highlighting cotton production as a major challenge, he underscored the need for a long-term policy. The secretary also pointed out the urgent requirement to introduce superior germplasm, develop new climate-resilient varieties, and ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Agri education and research taskforce' being set up: minister
FAISALABAD: Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo on Thursday said that Agriculture Education and Research taskforce is being set up that will present recommendation to revamp the sector in order to ensure four percent agricultural growth in coming years. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali along with Chairman National Seed Authority Dr Asif Ali, Director General Ayyub Research Sajid ur Rahman, Chief Executive PARB Dr Abid Mehmood, Consultant to Punjab Agriculture Department Dr Muhammad Anjum Ali and other renowned agriculture experts and researchers attended the meeting. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo urged the agricultural institutions to lower down the walls and enhance the collaboration between academia, research and industry to achieve better outcomes and to ensure the food security at national level. He said that the government is devising the doable short, mid and long-term policies for upgrading the agriculture sector. He highlighted that increasing crop productivity is a major challenge, particularly due to water scarcity, climate changes and other challenges. He mentioned that quality germplasm, climate-resilient varieties and timely provision of certified seeds to farmers would boost the production. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sustainable growth: ‘Agri experts should come up with doable policy interventions'
FAISALABAD: In the face of deteriorating agriculture growth depicted in the Economic Survey of Pakistan, agricultural experts should come up with doable policy interventions for sustainable agricultural growth, said Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Addressing the concluding session of four-week Agricultural Policy Capacity Building Workshop on 'Exploring Perspectives, Analytical Tools, Emerging Trends and Effective Communication in Agriculture' at the Center for Advanced Studies (CAS) Auditorium, Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that the researchers should devise the policies recommendation with the special focus on productivity enhancement, crops diversification, soil health and nutrition, climate smart agriculture, sustainable markets structure, and revitalization of farmers cooperatives, to benefit the farming community and ensure food security. He said that recent Economic Survey has presented the grim picture of the sector that needs immediate attention of the scientists, industry and other stakeholders. Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, said that declining agriculture growth would provoke deep crises that must be addressed with research-based intervention and solid policy measures and its implementation that are crucial to feed the ever-increasing population and alleviate poverty. He called for greater role of the Universities in generating sound evidence and policy recommendations for all sectors of the economy. He quoted some social media reports of very low okra price in Kamalia on Eid-ul-Azha due to low demand compared to supply. He attributed this to lack of value addition options compared with the advance countries and emphasized on the need for research to translate into goods, services and solutions to societal issues. He said that PHEC is committed for the transformation of education and research with special focus on academic opportunities and challenges in age of Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation. Dr Muhammad Ejaz Qureshi, faculty at the Australian National University, said that the workshop is aimed at enhancing analytical, communication, and leadership capabilities in agricultural policy research; strengthen policy design and implementation skills; improve the quality of research proposals and competitive grants aligned with national development agendas; promote strategic communication through policy briefs and evidence-based storytelling; encourage an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to agricultural policy reform. Dr Qureshi appreciated the initiative of the University management for arranging such useful activities for the faculty and the students. He stressed upon the need to transfer these ideas into actions by working together to improve agriculture policies through policy research and generating evidence. Bangladesh Agriculture University Prof Dr Mohammad Jahangir Alam spoke on agribusiness and food policy, particularly addressing value chain development and nutrition security in emerging economies. He said to improve food security in developing countries, we need to build strong value chains in agriculture. Connecting farmers to the markets can help increase income and ensure better nutrition for communities. Dr Sumaira Ejaz Qureshi, faculty at University of Canberra in Australia, discussed about translating complex data into sound policy decisions through a case study of student and faculty feedback to enhance quality of education. Dr Zeena Alsamarra'I, University of Canberra explained that future of education in the era of AI and digital transformation. She focused on institutionalizing Generative AI and making sound policies so that the academic community can get benefit from positive side of AI driven technological disruption. She emphasized capacity building of faculty and the students in age of digital transformation. Prof Dr Asif Kamran, Director of Agriculture Policy and Outreach, explained that the Agriculture Policy, Law and Governance Center at UAF is committed to continuous engagement with policy think tanks and policy makers and to build the capacity of the students and faculty to conduct policy research and craft sound policy recommendations based on their research. Prof Kamran acknowledged funding support from Endowment Fund Secretariat, USDA; Pak Korea Nutrition Centre (PKNC), Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) under CSIRO implemented project entitled 'Climate resilient and adaptive water allocation in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
UAF VC, German diplomat discuss areas of mutual collaborations
FAISALABAD: Jan Gerald Krausser, Head of Communications and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Germany called on Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad at VC Chamber and discussed the areas of mutual collaborations. The areas of faculty-students exchange, research, and language and technology came under discussion. Jan Gerald Krausser briefed about the scholarships and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He said that with exchange propgramme, we will learn from each other experiences. He emphasized the significance of academic and cultural exchanges in bilateral ties. He said that these connections bring together academic excellence from both countries. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that the UAF was enjoying good relations with University of Kassel, Germany and other German universities. He said the many UAF faculty members benefited from German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He said that enhanced ties with German Universities would help learn each other experiences. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
UAF holds ‘Startup Graduation Ceremony'
FAISALABAD: The National Incubation Center (NIC) established at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Monday organised Startup Graduation Ceremony in which 11 startups graduated for cohort 4. The ceremony was meant to highlight a significant milestone in the NICF continued efforts and contribution to foster entrepreneurship and support young innovators. Coordinator to Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan as chief guest said the government was committed to flourish innovative projects aimed at uplifting the country and maximize national progress. He said that the government is supporting private sector to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth. He added that these efforts are focused on creating maximum job opportunities for people across the country. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali, in his message, called for honing the innovative and entrepreneurial skills among the young generation that will ultimately pave a way for knowledge based economy. He stressed upon the need to think out-of-the-box to address the challenges and contribute for the development of the country. Ignite National Technology Fund Assistant Manager Moaz Nasir said that it was beginning of a journey where entrepreneurs will shape the future through ideas, resilience and passion. Awais Zaidi form Faisalabad IT Companies Organization (Fitco) said that it is amazing to see that our young startups are not only solving real-world problems but also contributing to the economic development of Pakistan which will play a pivotal role in long run. Head of TMUC Nighat Nasreen lauded the efforts of UAF and said that the university is providing a platform to its students where they are enjoying best possible facilities and opportunities to excel in their relevant fields and make themselves worthy for the nation. NICF Project Director Zeeshan Shahid said startups have successfully tackled critical challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and climate change. He said that since its inception in September 2022, NICF has incubated around 80 startups, generating over 1,100 jobs and contributing significantly to Pakistan's economic growth. Director BIC Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Business Incubation Center said that all-out efforts were being carried out to polish the innovative and startup skills of the students. Three startups of Dr Zaheer Ahmad, Waqar Bin Shahid and Nouman Sandhu were given awards. Graduating startups presented their innovative business models and shared their journeys, challenges and successes during the period. Several startups showcased cutting-edge solutions in agri-tech, education, healthcare and digital services, reflecting the diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial skills. Prominent academic figures, industry leaders, startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the ceremony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
