PMAS-AAUR Leads Potohar Agriculture Reform as Minister Reviews Key Projects
Rawalpindi: Punjab’s Minister for Agriculture, Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, visited Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), highlighting the institution’s leading role in implementing the Chief Minister Punjab’s Agriculture Transformation Plan in the Potohar region. The visit underscored the university’s growing contribution to modern agricultural innovation, research, and farmer capacity building.
The Minister, accompanied by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, was received by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman along with senior faculty, deans, directors, and administrative officials. The delegation toured several key research centers, including the Center for Precision Agriculture, the China–Pakistan R&D Center for Modern Agriculture and Efficient Water Technologies, and the Green AI Hydroponic Unit. These facilities demonstrated the university’s advancements in technology-driven farming, water-efficient practices, and emerging hydroponic systems.
During a high-level meeting, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman briefed the Minister on ongoing projects designed to modernize traditional agriculture through technology-enabled solutions. The Minister praised Arid University for its leadership in advancing the Chief Minister’s Agriculture Transformation Plan, stating that the institution stands at the forefront of innovation in the Potohar region.
Minister Kirmani emphasized that universities serve as vital hubs of research, innovation, and technology transfer. He stressed the importance of strong Academia–Industry–Government collaboration to achieve sustainable agricultural development. He directed the university to prepare new proposals focused on improving agricultural practices in Potohar, expressing particular interest in hydroponic agriculture. He noted that the university’s specialized hydroponic institute and units could play a major role in increasing crop productivity and enhancing food security.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, informed the delegation about departmental initiatives aimed at strengthening coordination with agricultural universities. He shared that new committees have been formed to identify field challenges faced by farmers and develop actionable, research-based solutions. He emphasized that joint projects between PMAS-AAUR and the Agriculture Department will help elevate productivity and ensure meaningful outcomes for farmers.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman thanked the Minister for the visit and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to advancing the CM Punjab’s Agriculture Transformation Plan. He highlighted ongoing mega projects, capacity-building programs, and the university’s consistent organization of national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops to support farmer training. He also noted the university’s focus on developing indigenous, affordable modern technologies and announced that several patents have already been filed by faculty researchers.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to accelerate agricultural innovation, strengthen partnerships, and uplift farming communities across the Potohar region.
Read in Urdu: وزیرِ زراعت پنجاب سید عاشق حسین کرمانی کا بارانی زرعی یونیورسٹی راولپنڈی کا دورہ
