It is need of the hour to generate solar energy as power crisis is not only shrinking industries but also affecting agricultural production. This was stated by speakers while addressing a seminar titled "role of agricultural machinery in poverty alleviation and food security in Pakistan", organised by the Department of Farm Machinery and Power University of Agriculture Faisalabad.
Dr Ashraf, Dean, Faculty of Science, UAF was the chief guest on the occasion. He quoted the example of Turkey, saying that the said country is generating 35 percent of the total electricity production from solar energy. The solar energy is vital to cope with the prevailing power crisis that has started making life tough.
He said that 70 percent of agricultural production of our country consists of small farmers. He stressed the need to introduce modern technology among the farmers, adding that per acre production of our country is comparatively low because of non-availability of modern technology.
He said that major challenge is to increase the production of agricultural per acre. He said that wheat can be attained 60 mand per acre but unluckily, the country is getting 30 mand per acre. He said the land of Pakistan is fertile and we can earn of billions of rupees by using our all out resources and adopting modern techniques.
Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Dean Rai Niaz said that unluckily the persons who are using the modern machine don't know how to properly use the machines. It is must to train the farmers regarding the modern technology. He said that with the adoption of agri machine, the country can earn millions of rupees by exporting agri products.
Dept of Farm Machinery and Power Chairman Dr Iqbal said that the country has 32 million hectic land while only 23 million hectare of land being utilised due to water shortage. Dr Mazoor also spoke on the occasion.