A three-member delegation from the Canadian High Commission, Islamabad, visited University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to discuss the area of collaboration and gain insights into the university’s contributions to agricultural research, agritech development and innovation.
Canadian delegation visits UAF
FAISALABAD, Jun 11 (APP): A three-member delegation from the Canadian High Commission, Islamabad, visited University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to discuss the area of collaboration and gain insights into the university’s contributions to agricultural research, agritech development and innovation.
The delegation comprised Ms. Harriet Roos, Head of Cooperation; Mr. Nikita Eriksen-Hamel, Deputy Director Food Security and Nutrition/Agriculture Specialist; and Ms. Farida Rehmat Gilani, Senior Development Officer.
They called on UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali while university deans and directors were also present in the meeting.
The meeting discussed the areas of collaboration in research, academia, agriculture, seed, startup ecosystem, soil fertility, animal and veterinary sciences.
The visit was coordinated by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC-UAF).
Ms. Harriet Roos said that in line with Canada’s own shifting policy priorities, we are looking for opportunities to better align some of what we do through our international cooperation with Pakistan, that better aligns with mutual economic, cooperation opportunities and for, agriculture and agro-food is a great place to start.
Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali highlighted UAF’s ongoing efforts in agricultural research, climate-smart farming, technology transfer, entrepreneurship development, and industry-academia linkages.
He said that collaboration between the UAF and international development partners would help strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural resilience.
He said that they were strengthening outreach programs to have connection with the farmers and to have connection with the business community.
He said that the seed, animal feed, fertilizers, vaccine and machinery are the one of key areas from which the partnership with Canadian institutions should be enhanced.
He said that the UAF has accord with different Canadian partners. He stressed upon the need to revive the joint degree program.
Nikita Eriksen-Hamel said that there’s a number of, of private-specific, Canadian agri-food innovation networks that are being established.
A comprehensive roundtable discussion was subsequently held with senior faculty members and administrators representing the Faculties of Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Animal Husbandry, and key innovation and commercialization units of the university.
The visitors also toured the Exhibition Center, where they were introduced to innovative product, research products and commercialization initiatives being developed by students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
