Recently, Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) Chairman, Mian Kashif Ashfaq, met with the Vice Chancellor of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, to discuss the current state of agriculture in the country and its way forward.
On the occasion, Mian Kashif discussed how the export of agro-based products is, currently, the top priority of the government. FIEDMC, for this reason, is taking all the necessary steps to uplift agriculture for the prosperity of growers.
Established in 1906, The University of Agriculture (UAF) is a public research university in Faisalabad, Pakistan. It is ranked 4th in Pakistan and 1st in the field of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences by HEC Ranking 2019. The university has received billions to fund their contributions in the research and development of our national agriculture.
https://twitter.com/lhrtimes/status/1219964445629329410
UAF is home to several faculties of Agriculture, including: Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Food Nutrition and Home Economics, Social sciences, Animal Husbandry, Food Sciences, Biotechnology etc. This centurial organization is renowned globally and partners with University of California, Davis in research and exchange programs.
FIEDMC and UAF are planning to join hands in order to increase bilateral cooperation for a better future of the local agriculture industry. The primary objective is to add value to local products and for that purpose, UAF can provide technical assistance to enhance productivity in relevant agricultural fields.
“Pakistan is an agriculture-based economy, where majority of the population directly or indirectly depends on this sector and agriculture sector contributes around 24% to gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for half of the employed labor force,” Mian Kashif added. He further shared that agriculture has been a big source of foreign exchange earnings, but sadly the sector has been neglected, forcing people to migrate from rural to urban areas for employment opportunities.
Read more: Allama Iqbal Industrial City attracts US investors
Hence, FIEDMC has given special attention to the agriculture sector and for this purpose, Punjab’s Special Economic Zones, Allama Iqbal Industrial City and M-3 Industrial City, will house special units on food processing and agricultural appliances to boost agricultural development in the country.
He added, “FIEDMC has allocated 250 acre land in M-3 Industrial City for small and medium enterprises who want to start their business immediately after shifting there”. It was also revealed that the allocated land was acquired specially for the local investors interested to set up their industrial unit within 3 to 10 acres of land – and fortunately, a large number of investors plans to follow this blueprint.
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf lauded the efforts of Mian Kashif for promoting the agricultural industry in Pakistan and acknowledged that FIEDMC can play a vital role in this regard
FIEDMC Chairman also said, “Agriculture and livestock marketing have been one of the weakest links. Small farmers cannot afford to invest in marketing, therefore, FIEDMC is introducing tools to assist the farmers”.
“Most of the agricultural and livestock products like vegetables, fruits and milk are perishable, which require proper storage facilities. Therefore, FIEDMC will provide a set of facilities for improving the shelf life of farm commodities”.
On this occasion, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ashraf stressed the need for adequate investment in agricultural research to eventually boost the economy of the country. He said that the varsity was making extraordinary efforts to promote research culture in the country; and further added that Pakistan direly needs to adopt modern technologies and techniques to boost its agricultural growth and agro-based export.
Read more: FIEDMC and TEVTA will open a training university for employees
Dr. Ashraf also assured that UAF will design programmes for FIEDMC to strengthen the scientific, engineering, research and development culture. He further promised that UAF will also help the business community to deal in agricultural and food sectors to develop resilient and high-value cropping systems, proven technical solutions to combat desertification, and other related technologies that can be applied to the local context.
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf lauded the efforts of Mian Kashif for promoting the agricultural industry in Pakistan and acknowledged that FIEDMC can play a vital role in this regard.