The forest net in the country was only 2 percent compared to the international standards of 25 percent. The situation causes different challenges including climate changes, pollution, drought, heavy floods, and new diseases outbreak, said University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
He along with foreign delegation visited the UAF’s Department of Forestry Nursery and Planted a tree. The Department Chairman Prof Dr Tahir Siddique was also present on the occasion. The Vice Chancellor said it is really disturbing that instead of increment in our forest net, it is decreasing with each passing day. He called for taking tangible steps to fight the situation with enhanced awareness and collective efforts on the part of the all stakeholders. He showed his concern that due to ever-increasing population, fertile agriculture land is being covered into residential colonies which should be properly controlled with a manageable way. He said that UAF had mapped out a plan to produce skilled manpower and provide training to forestry practitioners. Dr Tahir Siddique said trees are essential part of healthy environment for a better life. He called for increasing the forest net in the country.