Wheat Campaign Outreach Activity Report (District Attock)

Date: 31-Oct-2023


Venue: Khunda, Fateh Jang (Attock)

Following team members attended the visit:

• Prof. Dr. Zahid Akram (Coordinator)
• Engr. Malik Ghulam Akbar (Consultant)
• Dr. Talat Mahmood (Plant Breeding and Genetics)
• Dr. Ghulam Shabbir (Plant Breeding and Genetics)
• Engr.Dr.Tahir Iqbal Khan (Agri.Engg.)
• Dr. Imran Bodlah (Entomology)
• Dr. Sabeeqa Usman Malik (Forestry)
• Dr. Usman Abbasi (Horticulture)
• Dr. Hassan Rashid Agri.Extension)

The event of farmer outreach activity started with a formal session with the farming community of selected site. Prof Dr. Zahid Akram (Coordinator) briefly introduced the team members and purpose of activity to the local community. Furthermore, he also emphasized on the adaptation of high yielding varieties of wheat instead of conventional one. After introductory session, farmers developed interest in the event and showed high level of enthusiasm.

After introductory session, expertise from outreach team discussed multiple beneficial options for farmer’s uplifting. Dr. Imran Bodlah elucidated about importance of natural biodiversity for crops and also discouraged use of weedicide and pesticide. Engr. Malik Ghulam Akbar educated farmers about multiple water harvesting techniques and also explained multiple government initiatives for small and mini dam construction. Farmers were also briefed about farm machinery by Dr. Tahir Iqbal Khan. He discussed about correct calibration of instruments and also shared tips for efficient and economic use of farm machinery. Dr. Sabeeqa Usman Malik highlighted about the importance of agroforestry in context of climate change and economic uplifting of farmers. She also deliberated about potential of trees for barren land reclamation. Dr. Usman Abbasi elaborated about kitchen gardening and vegetable farming as a business enterprise. Farmers discussed about post-harvest losses of fruits and fruit drop before maturity. Dr. Abbasi provided detail advisory to the farmers concerns. Mr. Hassan Rashid highlighted about role of extension services for farmers. Dr. Talat Mehmood and Dr. Ghulam Shabbir talked about high yielding wheat varieties. They also discussed about seed availability of high yielding varieties.

Later on, wheat seed of two varieties viz., Wafaq 2023 and MA 2021 (25kg each) was distributed to a potential farmer for sowing and was advised to multiply the seed and distribute in the community. Vegetable seeds (10 packets) were distributed through lucky draw to the farmers. Field sowing session was participated by all team members and local farmers. Engr.Dr.Tahir Iqbal demonstrated the procedure of seed drill calibration and sowing techniques. After completion of seed sowing, team visited barren land of the farmer and advised solution for its conversion to productive land. A watershed area was also visited to check the feasibility of mini dam.

Farmers were highly delighted and showed gratitude towards experts and university for organizing such an informative outreach activity. They showed interest for future collaboration with the university for the agricultural development of their area.

Few Glimpses of Field Activity