Call to utilise modern water management methods

FAISALABAD: Around half of the world population is experiencing severe water scarcity, thanks to accelerating impacts of climate changes and altered rainfall patterns.

It is need of the hour to make foolproof arrangements for glacier preservation and encourage rational usage of water among the masses.It was said by the speakers at a national seminar on ‘Glacier Preservation and Judicious Use of Water’ organised by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Agriculture Engineering & Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

Speaking at the event, former vice chancellor of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad called for replacing traditional methods of water management with modern ones, including bed plantation, sprinkle, drip irrigation and others that would save the water manifold.

Dean Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology UAF Prof Dr Anjum Munir emphasised the importance of safeguarding water resources for the survival and prosperity of future generations. He highlighted that water was not merely a resource but the foundation of sustainable agriculture, food security and economic development.

Dr Farrukh Bashir, Director R&D Division Islamabad, urged the academic community, industry and other stakeholders to work together to develop research-driven solutions for water conservation and management.

Irrigation and Drainage Chairman Dr Adnan Shahid emphasised that sustainable water management was essential not only for agriculture but for the overall stability of the country’s economy and environment. He said that in the face of rapid glacier melting, changing rainfall patterns and increasing demand for water resources, modern irrigation techniques and the efficient use of technology must be promoted.

PARC Scientific Officer Dr Muhammad Khalid emphasised the need to modernise water monitoring infrastructure and promote efficient irrigation practices. He urged all stakeholders to work collectively to safeguard the country’s vital water assets for future sustainability.

WOMAN BURNT TO DEATH BY HUSBAND: A man allegedly burnt to death his wife over domestic issues at Chak 219/RB within the jurisdiction of Razabad police.

According to the police, Amir often quarreled with his wife Saira. Following a heated argument, accused Amir allegedly burnt his wife to death. Police have registered a case and arrested the accused Amir.

COMPULSORY COURSE: The Graduate Studies Research Board, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, has recommended two credit-hour compulsory course titled ‘Understanding of Holy Quran’ for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for Muslim students and a course titled ‘Ethics’ for non-Muslims in lines with Higher Education Commission decision.

The board also recommended revised national fee refund policy of HEC and initiation of MS Computer Sciences Course. The recommendation would be presented before Academic Council and Syndicate for final approval.

The meeting was chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali (online) while Director Graduate Studies Dr Khalid Bashir presented the agenda.

The Vice Chancellor said that increasing intolerance and deteriorating social fabrics were provoking challenges for the society. He urged the researchers to come up with problem-solving research work meant for ensuring food security and make the agriculture a profitable profession. He added that the sector was in the grip of the different problems, including low productivity, deteriorating soil health, water scarcity, ever-increasing population, lack of modern implements and others.

If the issues were not addressed, it would aggravate food insecurity, he lamented.He also directed the teaching community to hone the entrepreneurship skills of the students that would make them job provider rather than job seekers. He said that the university was making all-out efforts to produce skilled manpower.

Dr Khalid Bashir said that the university was ensuring quality education, tangible researches, innovation and critical thinking for a bright future.

NOMINATED: The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has nominated Dr Hafsa Jamshed, an engineer and faculty member at the National Textile University (NTU), as a member of its newly formed Think Tank.

The Think Tank has been established to address the challenges facing the engineering sector and to formulate future strategies.The Think Tank is tasked with preparing policy recommendations for sectoral growth and reforms and presenting them to the government.

CEREMONY: Merit-based Interloop Scholarship cheques were distributed among deserving students in a ceremony held at Government College University Faisalabad.

Addressing the event, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam emphasised that awarding scholarships to talented students boosts their morale and removes financial barriers to higher education. He highlighted that the goal of these scholarships was to empower deserving students.