Muhammad Saleem

Pakistan's first-ever agriculture and food museum is being established at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad to encourage youth to take farming as their profession. Shehryar Ahmed, a faculty member, told WealthPK that different galleries will be set up at the museum, showcasing a range of agricultural tools on traditional and modern production practices, food technology, crop varieties, crop patterns, soil condition, and more.

Ahmed said the museum would help preserve Pakistan’s great agrarian heritage so that the young generation can see how the agriculture sector has evolved over time. He said the university officials are striving to find solutions to the challenges the agriculture sector is facing. “The preservation of our elders’ hard work will be a source of inspiration for the youth. Young minds can play a vital role in the development of the agriculture sector,” he added.

“Though the modern age is altering everything, the museum will highlight the turning points in the agricultural sector that have led us to this point,” he said. Ahmed said: “To attract young people to the agriculture industry, we must think creatively. Our youth have the potential to revolutionise the existing cultivation practices. However, a majority of youngsters do not focus on the agriculture sector.” He said that youngsters are not satisfied with the fruits of farmers’ labour.

“They believe the agriculture sector is in the clutches of exploiters at the cost of poor farmers.” “The young generation believes prevailing agricultural methods are unproductive and will not lead to their financial success. Owing to this belief, they are not opting for agriculture as their career path.” Ahmed said youngsters are chasing greener pastures abroad instead of testing the waters in Pakistan. “They are trying to flee Pakistan instead of helping the country turn over a new leaf in agriculture,” he added.

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Sarwar has directed the department heads and faculty to contribute their fair share to the valuable asset to be displayed in the museum. He said the museum will be a unique blend of culture and agriculture. He said that the university is leaving no stone unturned to explore ways to boost agriculture production. Practical and measurable research and skilled workforce are essential ingredients for the development of the agriculture sector.

Ahtshamul Haq, a farmer, told WealthPK that it's a good initiative of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He said university officials have to ensure that youngsters visit the museum and learn the importance of the agriculture sector. He said farmers are finding it hard to convince their children that agriculture holds great potential for them as young minds have questions regarding low profits, high input costs, shortage of fertilizer, electricity and availability of quality seeds.

“Though farmers face such issues, it does not mean we should abandon our struggle to elevate the agriculture sector,” he added. Haq said the museum will pave the way for farmers' families to explain to youngsters the importance of the agriculture sector. 

Credit: INP-WealthPk