Three-day Intl Horticulture conference concludes at PMAS-AAUR

RAWALPINDI, Apr 27 (APP):The experts at the concluding ceremony of the three-day international horticulture conference at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), here on Friday presented recommendations that advantage of geo-climatic environment should be taken for various horticulture
crops based on outcome of latest research techniques and should emphasis on make-shift trend of horticultural fresh crops to value addition to minimize the post-harvest losses.
They also recommended that collection of local and introduction of exotic germplasm of horticulture crops to cater the domestic and international needs. They suggested for the establishment of ‘Crop Specific Centers of Excellence’ under state-run universities.
They urged for cohesive effort needed to address the interactive face of the potential stakeholders for investment plan in horticulture industry and efficient use of cheaper skilled manpower and proper business plan to boost floriculture industry in Pakistan.
On the occasion, Dr. Noor Ul Islam, Chief Executive Officer, Punjab Agricultural Research Board was the chief guest while Prof. Dr. Sarwat N. Mirza Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR was the guest of honor. The ceremony was also attended by the foreign delegates, faculty members and students.
The experts said that it is need of the hour to expand Orchard Registration Program by promoting best practices of fruit and vegetables production through agri-extension and development projects.
They suggested improvement in business chain of horticultural products by strengthening
domestic market.
They discouraged the import from neighbouring countries and promoting deficient horti-crops
through ‘Indigenous Production Technology’ and suggested the development of strategic plan and capacity building to jump into Asian flower market in addition to Europe and North America.
They urged for developing clusters, collaborative marketing and infrastructure facilitation of horticulture crops and promoting research to make horticulture fresh products into value added foods.
They emphasized on the strengthening farmers’ credit system to promote horticulture sector and promotion of somatic hybridization & tissues culture technology of date palms, bananas, citrus for mass production, root stocks and varietal improvement.
Dr. Noor Ul Islam, Prof. Dr. Sarwat N. Mirza, PMAS-AAUR Dean Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Prof. Dr. Hafiz Ashfaq Ahmad, Chairman PMAS-AAUR Horticulture Department addresses the participants on the horticulture sector importance, its future and problems.
At the end chief guest along with the VC distributed certificates among the participants of the conference.
The conference was organized by PMAS-AAUR Department of Horticulture in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Society for Horticulture Science.