Need stressed to cut vegetable produce losses by Nematology tech

Damage to agricultural produce may be minimised through Nematology techniques. Currently, losses in vegetables; fruits and other perishable crops amount to more than 13 percent.
This was stated by Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), while inaugurating Nematology Laboratory in the Department of Plant Pathology at UAF.
Dr Bashir said that these losses in vegetables, fruits and other perishable crops could be minimized easily by utilising latest Nematology techniques.
He urged the scientists to introduce new technologies for protection of such plants. He said that UAF was upgrading its research laboratories to international standards. He asked the young faculty members to reorganise their plans to explore new avenues of scientific research.
Professor Bashir said that UAF was conducting a joint on-farm research programme at Toba Tek Singh. All Departments, including Horticulture, Soil Sciences, Entomology, Agronomy and Plant Breeding & Genetics were utilising their efforts to facilitate the farmers at their doorstep, he added.
Earlier Dr Muhammad Ashfaq, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for funding from Vice Chancellor's office for the upgradation and renovation of Nematology Laboratory.
A foreign Professor, Dr Safdar Anwar, briefed the Vice Chancellor and other scientists about Nematology techniques.
He highlighted various technological methods to eradicate nematodes. He said that Pakistan's scientists were trying to control nematodes through electric shocks (Electrodes) and through boiling water, while farming communities were using pesticides to control this disease. But, due to WTO implications, it was not the proper way to control nematodes.
Dr Safdar gave a detailed presentation about future plans for enhancement of Nematology. He said that this laboratory would contribute a lot to protect the vegetable plants and other crops against nematodes.
The Vice Chancellor unveiled the plaque and formally inaugurated the Nematology Laboratory at the University campus. A large number of scientists and faculty members were present on this occasion.