The Punjab Agriculture Department has granted regular BS-20 appointment to prominent agricultural scientist Dr. Abid Niaz in the Soil Chemistry Section of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, exemplary administrative capabilities, and remarkable research achievements.
Dr. Abid Niaz appointed in BS-20 at AARI Faisalabad
FAISALABAD, Jun 07 (APP): The Punjab Agriculture Department has granted regular BS-20 appointment to prominent agricultural scientist Dr. Abid Niaz in the Soil Chemistry Section of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, exemplary administrative capabilities, and remarkable research achievements.
AARI spokesman said that Dr. Abid Niaz possesses over 27 years of extensive research and administrative experience in the fields of soil health, nutrient dynamics, soil microbiology, and environmental pollution.
During his distinguished career, he has served as Chief Scientist at the Provincial Fertilizer Reference Laboratory, Raiwind, and as Principal Scientist at the Soil Bacteriology Section of AARI Faisalabad, where he successfully managed regulatory and research affairs.
Among his notable scientific achievements is the introduction of internationally recognized method validation protocols for fertilizer and microbiological testing. These include potassium determination through flame photometry, quality monitoring of plant growth regulators using HPLC techniques, and microbiological testing procedures compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
Dr. Niaz has authored and co-authored more than 70 research papers published in HEC-recognized national and international journals.
He has also contributed three chapters to books published by internationally renowned publishing agencies.
His research on the presence and impact of heavy metals in vegetables and fodder grown using wastewater led to the preparation of a comprehensive survey report and policy paper submitted to the Punjab government. He has also successfully led four major research projects funded by CIMMYT, HEC, PAEC, and PARB.
Since 2018, Dr. Niaz has been serving as Convener of the Climate Change Cell of the Punjab Agriculture Department, working on the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He also serves as the departmental focal person for the Chief Minister Punjab’s Complaint Portal, facilitating the resolution of farmers’ issues.
Recognizing the importance of knowledge dissemination, Dr. Niaz has extensively utilized print and electronic media to communicate modern agricultural recommendations and technologies to farming communities.
Agricultural scientists, academia, fertilizer industry representatives, media personnel, progressive farmers, and other stakeholders have warmly welcomed his regular appointment in BS-20.
They expressed confidence that under his leadership, the Soil Chemistry Section and AARI Faisalabad would achieve further advancements in balanced fertilizer use, soil health management, and environmental protection, ultimately benefiting farmers and strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural economy, the spokesman added.
