Federal Minister, National Food Security & Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan has said farmers are the backbone of the country and uplift of the agriculture sector could help strengthen the country’s economy.

He stated this while inaugurating the “Kissan Mela” held at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, on October 25, 2016. The Mela was organized by PMAS-AAUR in collaboration with Lok Sanjh Foundation, featured several programs including establishment of different stalls, youth session, tableau by students and a conference on Defending Agricultural & Cultural Diversity.

Federal Minister also visited different stalls of the Mela and inaugurated Bio Mass to Bio Energy Unit and Basketball & Long tennis Court in University premises. On the occasion, PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Senator Najma Hameed and other dignitaries, faculty members, students and farmers were also present there.

While visiting the Bio Energy Unit Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of PMAS-AAUR for establishing Bio Energy Unit by using solid waste and recommended that it should be promoted by increasing public awareness and integrating the informal sector to make the current system sustainable and financially viable. Federal Minister said farmers are playing a vital role in improving economy of any country and present government has initiated several agricultural development projects in country to uplift this sector and raise farmers’ income. He assured that the present government’s kissan package would surely help the small farmers and govt is committed to provide them with modern technology for making improvements in agricultural produce.

PMAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, while addressing highlighted the main objectives of Mela and informed the gathering that Arid University is playing important role in improvement of country’s agriculture. He said there is dire need to promote cooperation between the government, farming community and industry to combat the challenges faced by agriculture sector.  He stressed the need to improve agriculture production system on scientific lines to enhance sustainable food production and to meet present and future demands for food in the country.  Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad lauded the Kissan Package and said that it would bring revolutionary change in agriculture sector. The Vice Chancellor said that Pakistan is an agricultural country and efforts made by the government are appreciable. He said this kissan package will encourage farmers to adopt modern methods of cultivation which would boost yield.

In the presence of Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, PMAS-AAUR signed four MoU with different organizations including National University of Science & Technology, Mitchell’s Fruit Farm Limited, Lok Sanjh Foundation and Akhtar Hameed Khan Memorial Trust Rawalpindi.