Women farmers are playing a vital role in promotion of modern practices in the agriculture sector. This sector will help combat food insecurity and malnutrition affecting 58 percent of the population. It was the crux of a one-day seminar titled "improving female farmers skills to enhance food production" arranged by the Department of Rural Sociology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad at New Senate Hall. The programme was chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
The four-day UAF Rabi festival was opened on Thursday with a seminar aimed at increasing awareness among farmers regarding latest agricultural techniques to boost productivity. More than 200 rural women farmers from Okara, Faisalabad and other parts of province participated.
Progressive Farmer Rukhsana Zafar was the chief guest while Department Chairman Professor Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Maann, Dr Fawad Ahmad, Naveed Farah, Agricultural Development Bank Agri Officer Kanwal Mukhtar, Dr Rashid Waseem, Dr Yaqeeb, Dr Izhar Ahmad Khan and other speakers also shared their views on the occasion. The Vice Chancellor said the nation cannot be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with men. The agriculture is directly linked with poverty and hunger alleviation in which women are rendering remarkable services. He lauded the role of women farmers in progress as they are not only looking after their children and other domestic affairs but also standing side by side with men in the agriculture fields.
He said that Punjab has rich culture and traditions that must be promoted at the university level. He was of the view that the country is facing many threats including food security, depleting natural resources etc. In this scenario, expedited efforts, on the part of all stakeholders, are prerequisites to fight crises. He said the UAF in collaboration with ICDD had launched a project under which five hens are being given to every farmer to increase their income.
Rukhsana Zafar said that women farmers can increase their income manifold by applying modern agriculture practices. The increased production will not only help them but also facilitate the county to ensure food security. She said that more than a large number of population is associated with the agri sector. Replacement of traditional agricultural methods with modern practices will boost production manifold. Professor Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Maann said that without the contribution of women, the goal of progress and prosperity cannot be achieved.
He said that women are serving society in a remarkable way. Kanwal Mukhatar said that Agricultural Development Bank is offering loans to the farming community at their doorstep. She said that Bank is offering many types of agri loan to benefit farmers who constitute 68 percent of population. Dr Fawad Ahmad told audience about poultry and ways to maintain the poultry at farms or at domestic levels. He said that as many 1.5 million of people are associated with commercial poultry industry. He also told the audience about small-level farming at home or at small farms.
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