Trade deficit a matter of concern: UAF vice chancellor

Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said on Saturday that it was a matter of concern that Pakistan's total imports stood at $50 billion while exports $30 billion. He was addressing a workshop organised by the Department of Plant Breading and Generics at Old Senate Hall, UAF.
He stressed the need to enhance productivity for reducing import. He said that using the modern techniques and latest methods in a bid to increase agricultural productivity keeping in view climate change. He said that the country had the potential to become green basket for the world but traditional ways of farming and lack of awareness among the farming community about latest practices were obstacle to the process. He said that Pakistan was blessed with four seasons, fertilised land and the world's largest canal system but they were still focusing on the five crops whereas the country climate was suitable for the growing 500 crops.
He said it was the need of the hour to transfer the knowledge into goods and service with the strengthened outreach and extension programme. He added that the university teaching staff spent a day per week in outreach programme in which they make visit to various villages for educating the farming community about modern practices. Dr Ahmad Bilal from Canada said that carrot was in high demand in Canada and Pakistan could earn foreign exchange by exporting it. Being an alumnus of the UAF, he urged the students to pay attention to their studies and contribute to the agriculture sector. Faculty of Agriculture Dean Professor Dr Muhammad Ashfaq also spoke.