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HYDERABAD, Jan 02 (APP):Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam Engineer Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal has said that the university’s academic programs were playing a vital role in driving economic transformation and that a comprehensive set of new development initiatives will be launched over the next four years. Terming food security a defining challenge of the future, he emphasized the need for collective societal efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and curb food wastage.
He was speaking at a reception held in his honor after assuming charge as the permanent Vice Chancellor of the university.
Prof Dr Siyal said that rapid population growth, declining land resources and accelerating climate change had intensified food security concerns. He stressed that agricultural scientists and professionals carried a crucial responsibility to improve productivity with limited water availability, develop climate-resilient crop varieties and safeguard indigenous livestock breeds. “This is a critical juncture that calls for coordinated action, innovation and shared responsibility across all segments of society,” he said.
Highlighting institutional collaboration as a cornerstone of progress, the Vice Chancellor urged all stakeholders to work together to transform Sindh Agriculture University into one of Pakistan’s leading centers of excellence in education, research and innovation. He noted that the rising global demand for skilled graduates made it imperative for universities to align academic standards with international benchmarks.
He added that SAU’s research agenda would be closely linked with national priorities, farmer-centric solutions and on-ground realities, while strong academia–industry linkages would be developed to ensure that research outcomes translate into measurable economic and social impact.
Outlining his strategic roadmap, Prof Dr Siyal said that during his tenure special emphasis would be placed on market and employment-oriented degree programs, structured internship opportunities, merit and need-based scholarships and the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation among students.
Earlier, Dean Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (FAET) Prof Dr Munir Ahmed Mangrio welcomed the Vice Chancellor and expressed confidence that Prof Dr Siyal’s leadership would steer the university towards greater academic strength and institutional excellence.
Chairpersons of various departments presented the Vice Chancellor with Ajrak, symbolizing Sindh’s rich cultural heritage. The event was also addressed by Dr Farman Chandio, Dr Zaheer Ahmed Khan and other speakers.