Muhammad Saleem

The universities can build robust partnerships between researchers and businesses to accelerate the adoption of agricultural innovations, said Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), while speaking to WealthPK. He emphasized that agricultural scientists must intensify their efforts to find practical solutions to address agricultural challenges and ensure food security. “Pakistan’s population is growing rapidly, and we must meet the rising food demands. It’s vital for universities to strengthen relationships between enterprises and researchers, as both rely on each other,” he added. “We are fully aware of the challenges facing the farming community and are actively working to address them,” he said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it’s imperative to promote the latest agricultural practices.

Modern tools can significantly boost productivity. To attract young people to the sector, we must make agriculture more profitable,” he noted. Dr. Khan highlighted that the university, recognizing the needs of the agriculture sector, is producing skilled professionals by providing them with modern knowledge and hands-on experience. “We understand the importance of academia, research, and industry linkages. UAF is focusing on this area, knowing that timely action can avert larger problems. Strong collaboration will uplift the agriculture sector and improve the financial standing of the farming community,” he said. He also stressed the need for state-of-the-art facilities for students to address emerging challenges. The university is committed to offering modern labs, hostels, sports arenas, and other amenities.

“For a knowledge-based economy, quality education and research are essential, and we must prioritize these areas as they underpin progress,” he said. Speaking to WealthPK, Bilal Ahmed, owner of an agri-tech business, underscored the need for strong academia-industry linkages, asserting that this approach would help the country address climate-change challenges faced by the farming community. “Without empowering the farming community, neither universities nor businesses can thrive, as they are two sides of the same coin,” he said. He noted that advanced agricultural technologies are transforming the sector, and universities are uniquely positioned to prepare a tech-savvy generation to drive this transformation. While many businesses lack the resources to procure or test the latest equipment, universities can do so more easily due to ample funding and government grants, giving them a distinct advantage.

“Universities play a pivotal role as leaders in research and innovation. They transform society and various sectors by imparting both general and scientific knowledge, laying the foundation for future progress,” he emphasized. Bilal added that universities must understand market needs and align their research accordingly to ensure the agriculture sector thrives under all circumstances. “Flexibility and responsiveness are crucial for success,” he said. He also urged educational institutions to host regular workshops and seminars where industry leaders can share their challenges, enabling researchers to propose innovative solutions.

Credit: INP-WealthPk