UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan addressed the UAF seed experts at New Senate Hall. He said that data was imperative to combat the challenges faced by the crops. He added that the short statured, short duration and climate resilient varieties were essential to boost up productivity and address the food security challenges. He was of the view that the country was far-lagging behind in the mechanical plantation and harvesting that were need of the hour to meet the demand of modern world. He added that the university was collaborating with Punjab Government and Federal Ministry of Food Security to fight the agricultural issues at national level. He said that despite the being of an agricultural country, we were importing the pulses and edible oil worth billions of rupees. He added that excessive pumping of groundwater was posing a serious threat to the agricultural sector. He urged the scientists to work jointly on projects specially to redress the problems of farming community and the agricultural sector. He hoped that joint work of experts from the different departments will bring the tangible results. He said that after a couple of months, the cotton sowing season will begin. Before it UAF scientists will get the cotton seed quality data for mapping out a comprehensive strategy bumper crop in the country. Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr Javed Akhrar said that 15 seed experts were working in his faculty. He said that all-out efforts were being made for the uplift of the sector.