Effects of climate change: Experts for advanced research, innovation to boost agri sector

CHARSADDA: In a bid to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and boost the agricultural sector, experts at a gathering on Tuesday stressed the need for launching advanced research and innovation.

Vice-Chancellor of Bacha Khan prof Dr Zahid Hussain University highlighted these concerns during a meeting held for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the university and NIDA Pakistan, a non-governmental organisation.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan, Registrar of Bacha Khan University Dr Aizaz Ahmad Khan, and representatives from both Bacha Khan University and NIDA Pakistan. During the session, Dr Rahmdad of the university’s Agriculture Department, provided a detailed briefing on a project aimed at eradicating the invasive Parthenium weed. The project was highly appreciated by the attendees, who recognised it as a significant step towards the advancement of the agricultural sector.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Zahid Hussain, while addressing the meeting, stated that agriculture contributes 22percent to Pakistan’s GDP. However, climate change has severely impacted this sector, necessitating a shift from outdated farming techniques to modern agricultural practices. He stressed the importance of conducting research at the university level to raise awareness and find innovative solutions to counteract climate-related challenges. Bacha Khan University is actively working on various research initiatives in this regard.