University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan -> Department of Public Relations and Publications

Department of Public Relations and Publications - Provincial agricultural minister Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh offers dua after inaugurating the wheat sowing campaign along with VC Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan at UAF campus - October 22, 2009

Punjab Government utilizing its all resources to obtain maximum yield potential of main crops in this regard mechanized culture is being introduced by providing subsidized agricultural machinery to small farmers. This was stated by Punjab Provincial Agricultural Minister Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh while addressing the participants of “Kissan Convention” in Iqbal Auditorium as a Chief Guest on Thursday. He added that spurious pesticides worth of Rs. 300 million have been seized and destroyed in order to eradicate adulteration menace from province which has never been done before in the history of the country. Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh lauded the role of University one thousand students during last “Wheat Sowing Campaign” and said that Punjab agricultural extension department is looking for this co-operation in present wheat sowing season. Agricultural Minister while highlighting the Farmers friendly polices of Chief Minister Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that in spite of limited grain storage capacity of 2.5 million ton at provincial level Government of Punjab purchased 60 lac ton wheat in order to pay support price to the farmers. He maintained that at present Punjab Government has reservoir of 150 lac ton wheat at provincial level Mr. Aulakh expressed his concern over Mushroom growth of non registered seed companies which are selling adulterated and sub standard seed to farming community. Punjab Provincial Minister said that government is committed to deal with culprits through an iron hand. He maintained that we will not let them allow to pollute our sacred agricultural system which is being practice as a noble deed. He hailed the CM Punjab’s decision of spending 8 billion rupees on the subsidized “Atta” at the price of 200 per 20kg during the month of Holy Ramadan. Mr. Ahmad Ali Aulakh urged the agricultural scientists to put collaborative effort with public and private sectors stake holders regarding maximum yield potential. He lauded the role of UAF scientists for the promotion of R&D activities in agricultural sector and urged the need for more innovative approaches keeping in view the emerging challenges being faced by the livestock & agricultural sectors. He also stressed the need for organizing UAF Kissan Festivals at District level to fulfill the dream of food security in the country by transformation process. Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF highlighted the success stories and achievements of the University in the field of education & research. He told that during last 20 months UAF has organized 3-Mega events and dozens of training workshops, conferences and seminars for farming community regarding transforming ideas in to actions. He added that University has produced 44000 trained man-power which is striving for food security and green revolution in the country. He maintained that UAF has launched ever first business incubation facility in public sector universities in order to boost the entrepreneurial activities at the Campus. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Dean Faculty of Agriculture and the Convener of “Kissan Mela 2009” delivered his speech on plant protection and biological control of pests. Dr. Anjum Ali Director General Agriculture Extension Punjab, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Director Water Management Research Centre, Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam Khan, Hall Warden, Prof. Dr. Zahid Ata Cheema, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and Dr. Muhammad Tahir Siddiqui also spoke on the occasion. Provincial Minister later on visited the Agricultural Exhibition and inaugurated the “Wheat Campaign” at UAF. Farmers from all around the province attended the Kissan Convention.