Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) have agreed upon future collaborations to enhance research and development in the field of agriculture.

This was decided in a meeting held at the University Research Farm (UFR) between PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamaruz Zaman and PCSIR Chairman Dr Syed Hussain Abidi on February 15, 2021.

The heads of both institutes highlighted the significance of close collaboration between the organisations and deliberated that it would not only help them resolve common issues but also enhance mutual understanding.

They urged scientists to develop innovative solutions for betterment of small farmers as this will create links between organisations and make the quality of research better.

Earlier, Dr Zaman briefed the PCSIR chairman about ongoing educational, research and development activities in addition to steps that are being taken for welfare of farmers and food security.

He said it is the need of the hour for universities to collaborate with research institutions and the corporate sector to resolve problems of the industry and farming community for betterment of the economy.

In his field visit, Mr Abidi visited establishment of Digital Agriculture and National Animal Genome Unit, Pakistan's only Chinese solar tunnel on the research farm and observed the tomato crop, medicinal block for lemongrass and other plants, modern animal sheds, rainwater-harvested fish farms and maize-soybean strip intercropping demonstration plots.

Chairman PCSIR Dr. Syed Hussain Abidi appreciated the PMAS-AAUR initiatives for agriculture development Pakistan has huge potential in the agricultural field which needs to be exploited for progress of the country. He expressed hoped that collaboration among both institutes will help eradicate poverty and ensure food security