FAISALABAD, Sep 22 (APP):University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali called for

accelerating the modernization of agriculture through efficient water management, climate-resilient

crop varieties, precision farming and research-based technologies to cope with growing

water scarcity and emerging food security challenges.

He expressed these views during a briefing for a 27-member delegation of participant officers

of the 47th Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) of the National Institute of Public

Administration (NIPA), Quetta, who visited the university on Tuesday as part of their Inland

Study Tour Program. The delegation was led by NIPA Director General Dr. Syed Ali Raza Shah.

The UAF Vice Chancellor said the country could no longer rely on conventional agricultural

practices amid declining water availability, changing weather patterns, deteriorating soil health

and rising production costs.

He stressed that every drop of irrigation water needed to generate greater agricultural output

through improved irrigation systems, precision technologies and better on-farm water management.

He said that agricultural transformation required stronger linkages between research institutions,

policymakers, extension services and farmers so that scientific knowledge and innovations

could be translated into practical solutions in the field.

“Our research must ultimately reach farmers and help them reduce production costs, improve

productivity and make agriculture a more profitable and sustainable profession”, he added.

Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali underlined the importance of developing and adopting climate-resilient

varieties capable of performing under heat stress, drought and other emerging climatic challenges.

He said that precision agriculture, remote sensing, digital technologies and data-driven

decision-making could play an increasingly important role in improving the efficiency of

agricultural inputs.

“The future of agriculture lies in producing more with fewer resources, particularly water,

land, energy and other costly inputs”, he added.

The Vice Chancellor said that UAF was focusing on multidisciplinary research to address

emerging agricultural challenges and was strengthening collaboration with national and

international institutions to develop technologies and solutions relevant to farmers and

the country’s food system.

He also emphasized the need for capacity building of farmers, agricultural professionals

and young graduates to equip them with modern knowledge and skills.

He said universities had an important role in preparing human resources capable of responding

to climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity and technological transformation in agriculture.

Modernization of agriculture imperative to cope with water scarcity, food security challenges: UAF VC