AIOU undertakes academic research to promote gardening

Islamabad :Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will come out with new academic programs for promoting research in gardening and horticulture sector.
The department of agriculture sciences is being strengthened for this purpose, said Vice Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui while addressing the University’s gardeners on the occasion of their preparation to take part in the 'Gul-e-Dawoodi glowers’ exhibition to be held here at Yasmeen Garden on December 5. He announced that AIOU’ Foundation will be set up soon for the welfare of the University’s employees.
Moreover, the university has also prepared a plan for improving the working conditions of low-grade employees, enabling them to deliver best possible services in their respective discipline. The welfare plan includes up-gradation of medical and housing facilities and employees’ promotions to their next grade, he added.
Dr Siddiqui noted that the university’s gardeners have proved their worth in promoting healthy environment in the federal capital. Lush green gardens and lawns not only added beauty to the surroundings but also had a positive impact on the environment, he remarked.
The University has recently set up a botanical garden to promote greenhouse concept. Having a wide range of plants, it will augment beauty and research environment of the University. The Botanical garden, to work as open lab will have documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education.
It comprises a greenhouse as well that has been named as Gulzar House, dedicated to a gardener Gulzar Ahmed who had lost his life while doing his normal work, in wake of honey-bee attack May this year. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui termed the garden as value-added addition of the prevailing research facilities in the University. We will maintain its quality to get the best results, he added.