By Qudsia Bano ISLAMABAD, March 22 (INP-WealthPK): Agricultural exhibitions are a modern form of non-formal education that could be an effective approach to bring together small, medium, large and advanced farmers for agricultural education using both verbal and non-verbal techniques. It might pique their interest in current agriculture technologies on the spur of the moment. Agricultural exhibitions are one of the ways for farmers to get fresh information or innovations. This method of delivery can increase the farmer's desire to learn about innovation. Meanwhile, innovation should be tailored to the needs of farmers. Farmers can empower themselves to develop knowledge and awareness while also improving their talent when they can comprehend their demands through particular innovation. It means that agricultural exhibitions can serve as a bridge for farmers to become more empowered. Speaking at a two-day agricultural show organised by the Punjab agriculture department at the University of Sargodha, the province’s agriculture minister Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi said that this was a huge event of its kind in the Sargodha district attended by a large number of high-value agriculture exporters, farmers and other stakeholders. Syed Fakhr Imam, the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, inaugurated the show. “The holding of this expo will strengthen the bonds between farmers and industry. Farmers will be able to learn about the most up-to-date fruit and vegetable growing technology,” the minister said, adding that efforts were being made to reach out to world markets in order to increase agricultural product exports, and this agricultural exhibition was part of that effort. The exhibition had about 75 stalls of local and domestic agricultural products, industries, agricultural machinery, fruits, and vegetables. “The show would help improve the high-value agriculture chain as well as expand the agricultural exports,” the Punjab’s agriculture minister said. Prior to this event, the Punjab’s agriculture department had also held three Pakistan Horti Expos and two Punjab Agri Expo events to promote the high-value agriculture chain, which drew over 35,000 visitors from across the world, including importers, purchasers, and businesses. There were about 40 delegations from several countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Qatar, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Business deals worth $13.2 million were struck as a result of these five exhibitions. Speaking at the Sargodha varsity exhibition, Syed Fakhr Imam said initiatives were being taken to promote agricultural exports in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision. “The Sargodha show will not only improve agricultural exports but also raise farmers’ awareness of contemporary production technologies.” Asad Rehman Gillani, secretary of agriculture in Punjab, said farmers had received practical training under the Rs3.20-billion ‘Establishment of Model Farm Project’. “The citrus sector (processing plants) has also received assistance under this programme to expand its storage and value-added capabilities,” he said.