UAF has been striving to develop bridges between Academia and Civil Society by conducting Research & Development activities in order to facilitate the farming community with innovative technological outcomes initiated by its scientists. This was stated by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture Faisalabad while addressing the inaugural Session of one day workshop on “Food industry need based projects for research in academia” jointly organized by National Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFSAT) and Endowment Fund Secretariat as a Chief Guest at New Senate Hall on Thursday morning.

Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan added that our mission is to develop viable and useful linkage with industrial sector for the promotion of Science and Technology. He expressed his concern over heavy budget cut on Higher Education Commission (HEC) and termed it hurdle in human resource development activities taken place at Universities. Dr. Khan maintained that UAF had received Rs. 700 million grants from HEC while its original expenditure was Rs. 1200 million. Referring current financial year grant for the University he added that HEC has promised to give us Rs. 722 million which is insufficient amount even to meet the prevailing expenses of employee’s salaries which have been increased 50% in this budget.

Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan urged the need for sufficient financial resources for the smooth functioning of research & development activities as well as Ph D and other Higher learning programs. Quoting         the example of USA he said that huge investment on R & D assured the authoritative role of the solely super power at the Globe. He said that China after investing huge amount on R & D has become the emerging financial leader and strongest economy of the World. Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad Anjum, Director General NIFSAT in his welcome address stressed the need for Co-ordination between academic institutions and industries and termed it vital for the growth & development. He maintained that in developed countries, private sector is an important part of the national research & development system and it plays an important role in Effective technology development, Mass promotion, Adoption and commercialization of products.

He added that in developed countries the Private Sector provides substantial backward linkages in terms of supply of inputs, services, credit, knowledge and forward linkages in processing, value addition and marketing Highlighting the role of Educational institutions, he said that they made efforts to meet industry's needs for training by designing specific courses and revising curriculum. He further said they are mutually supportive and complementary in technology development and transfer in recent years. He termed these linkages manifested in Consultancy services Research collaborations Commercialization of research. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shafiq while presenting a general overview of National Food Industry said that the food and its allied product’s industry are considered Pakistan's largest industry which is contributing 27% Value-added production with 16% of total employment. He added that the total value of production is over Rs. 50 billions while food industry comprises of more than 1,000 industrial units mainly processing grain and flour, hydrogenated vegetable oil, dairy products, fruit juices and beverages, snack foods, confectionery, tea blending, spices and salt as well as cereals.

Dr. Farhat Jamil of Nestle Pakistan said that the food processing industry has been identified as a thrust area for development, poor infrastructure, improper transportation & storage facilities, low quality raw materials and Substandard processing. He maintained that Ignorance from quality management systems, Weak regulatory system, unequipped food analysis laboratories, Lack of consumer awareness, Poor quality packing are the challenges confronted to our industry. Dr. Masood Sadiq Butt, Associate Professor NIFSAT conducted the Workshop. A large number of Various Stake-Holders, Representatives of Industries and Faculty members as well as students attended the Workshop.