Thousands of UAF students participate in wheat campaign

FAISALABAD: Thousands of students of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Monday went and worked in the agricultural fields under 13-day wheat campaign in the five divisions of the province.

It is meant to disseminate experts’ recommendations, guide farmers about latest trends, environmental-friendly technology and to get first-hand knowledge regarding agricultural problems.

The University in collaboration with Punjab Agriculture Extension Department has kicked off campaign from November 18 to November 30. The UAF students would work in the divisions of Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Gujrat and Gujranwala. The initiative involves thousands of students from postgraduate and undergraduate programmes.

The students under the supervision of agricultural experts have departed to visit farmers’ fields in various villages across five divisions where they would share expert advice aimed at boosting per acre wheat productivity.

Meanwhile, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan while presiding over a Deans’ committee meeting said that the campaign would not only benefit the farmers but also provide students with valuable hands-on experience in addressing real-world agricultural challenges.

Dr Sarwar Khan highlighted that during this campaign, the students would encourage farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices, timely sowing, use certified seeds and apply balanced fertilizers and other challenges to enhance crop yield.

Reiterating the university’s commitment to community outreach, Dr Sarwar Khan noted that this year’s drive follows the success of a similar initiative last year.He said that the university in collaboration with the Washington State University had introduced new wheat varieties that were compatible with the world productivity enhancement.

Dr Ghulam Murtaza is the convener of the campaign committee while the coordinators for the different division include Dr Riaz Virk, Dr Shahid Ibne Zamir, Dr Asim Aqeel, Dr Zahid Abbas and Dr Tahir Munir Butt.

Moreover, in an event at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute held in connection with wheat campaign, Principal Officer Public Relations and Publications Dr Jalal Arif, Dr Shahid Ibne Zamir, Dr Muhammad Naveed, Director Agricultural Extension Khalid Mehmood, Director Wheat Ayub Research Dr Javed Ahmad, MPA Rao Kashif and others spoke.

Dr Muhammad Jalal Arif said that the university students participate every year in the wheat campaign. He said that last year, the wheat witnessed a bumper crop, thanks to the adaptation of the latest technology. He urged the students to talk with the farming community in local language so that they can understand and adopt the message in an easy way. He said that the university was opening up new chapter of the progress and prosperity. He said that our students were capable and trained to address the problems of the farming community.

Rao Kashif said that the government was making all-out efforts to address the agricultural challenges and facilitate the farming community by bringing Kisan package and other reforms.Khalid Mehmood said that last year, the per acre wheat production in Faisalabad had boosted up two maunds and hoped that this year, it would also bring tangible results.

MAN KILLS FRIEND: A man allegedly killed his friend at Chak 219/RB in the Razaabad police jurisdiction.According to the police report, the victim, Muhammad Faheem, was a security guard and went to his friend accused Shan Ali last night in his room.