Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Chakwal have inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 25, 2013 to cooperate in academic and research activities for the mutual benefits of both the institutions and largely the farmers and other stakeholders.  

Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR and Dr. Noor-ul-Islam, Director General Agri. (Research) Ayub Agricultiral Research Institute Faisalabad, Punjab signed the documents from their respective organizations. Mr. Ahmad Ali Zafar, Additional Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Director, BARI, Dr. Jhangir Sial and Mr. Qamar Shakeel were also present on the ocassion. Moreever, Secretary Agriculture has granted permission for this MoU as well appreciated this very much desired collaboration among academic institutions and research organizations.

Under the  MoU both institutes decided to initiate the joint research/development projects &  seek the funding sources and accelerate the production of plant nurseries of olive, grapes, citrus & other fruits for the purpose of research, education and supply to the farmers.

Both institutes agreed to promote & market the certified crop seeds, nurseries and value-added products and facilitate each other to analyze & certify the quality of food products, vegetables & fruits for nutrition, pathogens and pecticide residues.

They will also establish linkage with the agro-based industries and agricultural extension departments for the transfer of technologies  and joint consultancy for NGOs and foreign donors/aid agencies to implement out-reach projects and impart trainings to the farmers.

The activities under the MoU will include exchange of faculty members, students, academic material information, joint research activities and will conduct farmers’ trainings at BARI/PMAS-AAUR as well as in the field and celebrate farmers’ days for technology transfer. The MoU would also be helpful for assuring the quality of research and improve the stature of the institutes among the world’s best research institutions.

Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR and Dr. Noor-ul-Islam, Director General Agri. (Research) Ayub Agricultiral Research Institute Faisalabad, Mr. Ahmad Ali Zafar, Additional Secretary, Agriculture Department, Government of Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Director, BARI, Dr. Jhangir Sial and Mr. Qamar Shakeel also visited Hill fruit Research Station, Murree. Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad  appreciated the administration for their work and assured full cooperation by the University faculty. He also emphasized that the research station has to arranged exhibitions to create intrest regarding cultivation of fruit crops among the farmers and provide consultancy to the farmers.