2nd International Precision Agriculture Conference 2025 Opens at PMAS-AAUR
Rawalpindi: The three-day 2nd International Precision Agriculture Conference (IPAC) 2025 commenced at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), bringing together more than 200 participants including scientists, researchers, students, and representatives from the public and private sectors.
The conference, organized by the Center for Precision Agriculture (C4PA) at PMAS-AAUR, focuses on the theme “Transforming Agriculture through Digital Innovations.” The event aims to provide an international platform for collaboration to enhance farm profitability, improve productivity, and minimize environmental impact through advanced agricultural technologies. Participants from the USA, Canada, and China joined both in person and virtually.
While addressing the opening session, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (S.I, H.I), Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) and Chief Guest of the event, emphasized the need for an integrated strategy to promote precision and digital agriculture in Pakistan. He noted that adapting to modern farming technologies has become essential in the face of climate change. “Conferences like IPAC provide valuable opportunities for researchers and faculty members to exchange knowledge and experiences,” he added.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman highlighted that Pakistan possesses significant potential in precision agriculture, which can play a vital role in closing yield gaps and ensuring food security. He underscored the importance of developing climate-smart technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, stating, “Our goal is not only to address present challenges but to prepare for the future through modernization of agriculture.”
During his visit to the agricultural exhibition, Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman invited researchers, students, and farmers to explore modern agricultural machinery and digital solutions showcased at the event. “The landscape of agriculture has changed; traditional farming practices must evolve. Modern agriculture is our future,” he remarked.
Keynote speakers included Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooq from the University of Prince Edward Island (Canada), Dr. Haimanote K. Bayabil from the University of Florida (USA), and Dr. Craig Maceachern from Dalhousie University (Canada). They stressed that advancing digital agriculture could help South Asian countries achieve self-sufficiency and move toward becoming exporters of agricultural products.
A highlight of the event was Food Fest 2025, where over 80 students from the Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences set up food stalls featuring home-cooked meals to promote healthy eating habits. An IT Exhibition, Bird Show, Art and Craft Display, and a Poster Competition were also organized as part of the conference activities.
At the conclusion of the inaugural day, shields and souvenirs were presented to the distinguished guests, presenters, and participants in recognition of their contributions.
