Former Agricultural Secretary Captain Arif Nadeem (retd) said food security is the area of concern in the face of water scarcity, decreasing agricultural land and increasing population of the country. He was talking to University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan at his chamber.
Arif Nadeem said the agricultural productivity of the country can be boosted manifolds by giving awareness to farming community about latest practices.
He said in 1947, the total population of the country was 35 million which has now gone up to 180 million, adding more than 90 percent of farming community consists of small farmers. "Pakistan is blessed with four seasons and best cropping system. But the traditional way of farming is hampering getting full advantages of the suitable agricultural productivity."
He said Vocational Training Institute for Farming Community would be established in the Southern Punjab to train manpower in horticulture, livestock and water management.
The proposed institute will provide hand-on training in drip irrigation, tunnel farming, livestock management and farm technicians. The project will increase the capacity building that will ultimately help in coping with food insecurity.
He sought the assistance of the UAF for Vocational Training Programmes.
Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan assured of full co-operation in this regard.
He said the agriculture is the backbone of our economy. "We have to explore the potential by weaning away from the traditional methods and switch to modern practices in the agricultural sector."
He said climate changes started playing havoc with the sector. Keeping in view, it is the need of the hour to step up on the part of the all stakeholders, policy makers and the industrialists.
He said that melting of glaciers is a serious threat. "We have to increase the capacity of storing water and promote the latest water management practices including drip irrigation, etc."
He said first time in the history of the university, the UAF kicked off 32 new Degree programmes keeping the challenges of 21st Century in view.