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HYDERABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has established state-of-the-art research centers and world-class laboratories to address the challenges posed by climate change and emerging threats to crops.
Vice Chancellor Engineer Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal emphasized the need to strengthen farmer support systems, promote advanced research and translate scientific findings into practical solutions for the farming community.
According to the SAU spokesperson, under various development initiatives, SAU has launched a major project within the department of plant pathology, faculty of crop protection, titled “Disease Diagnostic and Research Center for Exportable Mango Fruits,” funded by the export development fund (EDF). The center includes a molecular disease diagnostic laboratory for export-quality mangoes, a hot water treatment unit and a mango paper bag production unit. Currently, the molecular diagnostic laboratory is fully operational, while work on the remaining units is underway.
In addition, the spokesperson told five laboratories in the department of plant pathology had been upgraded in accordance with international standards and equipped with modern scientific instruments. These include the fungal diagnostic and research laboratory, nematology and general phytopathology research laboratory, phytobacteriology and biopesticide development laboratory, molecular plant pathology and virology laboratory and the plant disease museum and mycopia—the first facility of its kind in Pakistan.
During his visit to the faculty of crop protection, the Vice Chancellor reviewed the newly established facilities and received briefings about ongoing research activities along with Dean faculty of crop protection Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, Chairman department of plant pathology Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli and other senior faculty members.
Addressing the faculty, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted the importance of innovation-driven research, enhancing farmers’ awareness, and disseminating university research outcomes through social and print media. He stressed that SAU’s research must directly benefit farmers by improving productivity, ensuring effective disease management and boosting agricultural exports. He also assured continued institutional support for laboratory up-gradation and stronger national and international research collaborations.