Agriculture Potohar region holds potential to meet agri needs of entire country ISLAMABAD, May 5 (APP): Potohar region has the potential to fulfill the agricultural needs of the entire country if funded properly, Vice Chancellor Pir Mehar Ali Shah University of Arid Agriculture (PMAS-Arid University) Professor Dr Rai Niaz Ahmed said on Thursday. Addressing one day 'Kisan Mela' titled challenges, expectations of modern agriculture in Potohar region' at University's Research Form, Chakwal, he said Pakistan imports Rs 20 billion per annum tomato from India. There is no need to import even a single tomato from abroad if university is provided only Rs 4 billion per annum. Highlighting the main objectives of 'Mela', VC said that universities are beacons of light and play important part in leading the people. Arid Agriculture University is playing its important role in improvement of country's agriculture, he said, adding that the university has exhibited modern version of Rainwater Harvesting and Hydroponic (harvesting without mud). The whole needs of the region of Potohar could be fulfilled by adopting two models. Welcoming the guests, he said the university has activated its abandoned form into a Role Model Form. Quality fruits, vegetables and edibles are being grown. Fish are being grown in the form. He thanked Lok Sanjh Foundation and guests for attending the Mela. The Mela has been organised by Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. Parliamentary Secretary and MNA Raja Javed Ikhlas was the chief guest. The programme was chaired by VC Professor Dr Rai Niaz Ahmed. While speaker included Chief Executive (PARB) Dr Noor-ul-Islam, Executive Director Shahid Zia, Lok Sanjh Foundation and head of Korean Rural Community Corporation Dr Lee Bong Bang. Head of eight member delegation of Korea Dr Lee bong Bang (Korean Rural Community Corporation) introduced his company. He said the productivity of the region can be increased if 700 to 1500 mili meter rain is stored. He said South Korea wanted to give $2500 million for launching the Korean model of New Village Movement in Pakistan. The joint project will go for next 50 years. It is hoped that the areas could become major producer of fruits, vegetables and edibles, if locals cooperated with the university. Chief Executive PARB Dr Noor-ul-Islam, Director Lok Sanjh Dr Shahid Zia, Chairman Al Noor Group of foods Ishtiaq Chaudhary also spoke on the occasion. Chief guest Raja Javed Ikhlas announced making model research form as university's Potohar Campus. He thanked VC for launching New Village Movement Project Hydroponic Pak Korea Capacity Building Centre in Gujar Khan areas. University's Research Form is role model for Potohar region. The such efforts of VC will be highlighted at government level.