HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, along with three other Pakistani universities, has been included in the International Alliance for Agricultural Technology Development. Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri congratulated all faculty and staff on this significant achievement.
SAU in conjunction with Quaid-e-Azam University, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, and Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, has joined the Silk Road Agricultural Education and Research Innovation Alliance. This important development was formalized at the 9th Silk Road Agricultural Education and Research Cooperation Forum held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The purpose of this initiative is to promote collaboration between leading institutions in China and Pakistan, particularly in the joint development and exchange of new food crops, vegetable varieties, and medicinal plants, researchers involved in this agricultural cooperation program have selected 19 stress-resistant wheat strains and identified a new wheat variety suitable for large-scale cultivation in Pakistan. This new variety is expected to improve wheat production and physiological salt stress tolerance by 27%, reduce costs by 13%, and increase farmers' income by approximately 25%. Innovations such as nanobiochar, new nutrient solutions, and bio-organic fertilizers have also been introduced, enhancing crop quality and yield.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri praised the research efforts and global knowledge exchange by the university’s experts. He stated that this collaboration provides new opportunities for research and innovation, enabling significant contributions to global agricultural advancements. He also highlighted that SAU's experts will continue to play a vital role in addressing global issues such as food security and climate change alongside international researchers.
“This joint effort underscores the importance of international partnerships that foster agricultural innovation and development for local and global communities.” He added.
Abdul Ghaffar Shar, an alumnus of SAU and a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Northwest A&F University in China, played a crucial role in establishing this collaboration. He noted that last year, the alliance provided Pakistani universities with wheat and vegetable varieties such as cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes for further research at their demonstration parks. Additionally, new varieties of linseed will be exchanged later this month. This year, model farms for sesame contract farming have been established across Pakistan and are rapidly expanding, significantly enhancing Pakistan's export potential.
"Initiated in 2016, this agricultural alliance admitted 14 new members from China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan during this year's conference. With over 60 institutions from 13 countries participating, the alliance's membership has grown to 120 institutions from 19 countries, paving the way for Sindh Agriculture University and other Pakistani universities and research institutions to form global partnerships." He added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024