Australia was committed to uplifting Pakistan's agricultural sector and supporting the country to over come food security challenges, Acting Australian High Commissioner Paul Molloy said on Friday. He was addressing the University of Agriculture Faisalabad scientists involved in various projects with Australian organisations. The session was presided over by UAF Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
The Australian diplomat said that UAF was collaborating on a range of projects with various Australian organisations. Urging UAF scientists to come up with novel ideas for even more funding, he said: "Idea is an issue but money is not." He was optimistic that the university's scientists would continue to work with the same spirit to fight challenges of food security, including availability, affordability and accessibility.
The UAF Vice-Chancellor said that establishing of Lorry Water House's chair at the campus was in the offing to address genetic and breeding issues of various crops. He said that the UAF was a partner and beneficiary of Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project and engaged in citrus and mango research.
"We need to expand our areas to address various issues, including water, energy and climate changes," he said. The UAF, he said, would soon send 10 PhD students to the University of Sydney. Highlighting ACIAR's diverse projects in India, covering a large range of activities with a special focus on food security, water issues and climate changes, he called for launching a similar programme in Pakistan. He said that the UAF had strong ties with the University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Western Australia, and Charles Stuart University.