Professor Dr. Qamar Uz Zaman, Vice-Chancellor of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has received the prestigious Maple Leaf Award and has concurrently been elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CSABE). These highly esteemed recognitions acknowledge Professor Zaman’s exceptional achievements in fundamental and applied research, dedicated teaching, exemplary leadership, and significant professional and community contributions in agricultural and biosystems engineering.
For over three decades, Professor Zaman has steadily led innovation in precision agriculture (PA) across North America and internationally. He has successfully secured millions in competitive research funding, spearheading more than 50 key research and development initiatives, notably pioneering cutting-edge variable-rate sprayer technologies that have significantly reduced agrochemical usage by 40%, revolutionizing the agriculture industry in Atlantic Canada. His international patents and acclaimed textbook have become global benchmarks, guiding sustainable agricultural practices far beyond Canada’s borders. Furthermore, Dr. Zaman is a prolific researcher, having co-authored over 125 peer-reviewed scientific articles and numerous book chapters that continue to influence the global landscape of data-driven agriculture. He also founded the influential Atlantic Digital Agriculture Centre at Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus in Canada.
In addition to his research, Professor Zaman’s achievements in teaching, leadership, and mentorship are equally outstanding. He has coordinated and hosted more than 250 seminars, workshops, and international conferences, delivering over 100 keynote presentations spanning five continents. His dedicated guidance and mentorship have helped produce over 100 successful graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have now assumed key academic or industry leadership roles in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Professor Zaman has long demonstrated unwavering commitment toward strengthening professional communities. Serving prominently as CSABE’s Atlantic Regional Director, he chaired the highly successful International Conference in Halifax, securing significant sponsorships and playing a vital role in organizing the Charlottetown Conference. As a proactive member of various awards committees and outreach programs, he routinely judges student competitions and coordinates industry–academia initiatives, creating invaluable practical experiences and networking opportunities for emerging professionals in the field.
As Vice-Chancellor in Pakistan, Professor Zaman has made remarkable advances in transforming educational and research infrastructure. He spearheaded large-scale ventures, including establishing the Centre for Precision Agriculture and the National Centre for Industrial Biotechnology, modernizing campuses, revising curricula to embrace outcome-based education standards, and supporting numerous patent filings. Under his leadership, Pakistan introduced the nation’s first accredited micro-credentials focused on digital and precision agriculture, formally recognized by the Pakistan Engineering Council. Additionally, he regularly holds high-profile leadership forums that foster collaboration among engineers, agrologists, and industry stakeholders in Pakistan.
Beyond academia, Professor Zaman is a highly respected partner within farming communities, equally effective at bridging the gap between researchers and agricultural practitioners. He consistently leads hands-on extension activities, from grower meetings and field days across Atlantic Canada to practical workshops with Pakistani farmers, equipping growers to implement innovative technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. This impactful outreach has enhanced industry–academia connections, translating complex research findings into practical, accessible solutions, bolstering rural economies, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Reflecting on the honours, Professor Zaman expressed humility, crediting others for their collective contributions to his success. “Being named both Maple Leaf Award recipient and CSABE Fellow is deeply humbling,” he shared, adding, “These honours belong to all the students, colleagues, and growers who share a vision for sustainable, data-driven agriculture.”
Through these prestigious accolades, the Canadian Society for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering pays tribute to Professor Zaman’s unmatched dedication, exceptional research impact, and enduring commitment to leadership and community engagement. His influential legacy continually raises standards within agricultural and biosystems engineering, driving meaningful progress in Canada and worldwide.
