Although Pakistan is considered the 5th largest sugarcane producing country in term of area worldwide but its average per acre sugarcane production is far behind the developed nations. This concern was shown at the graduation ceremony of advanced certificate in sugarcane agronomy arranged by the Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad in collaboration with Punjab Sugarcane Research and Development Board at the New Senate Hall, UAF.
Talking to participants, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa said that it is the need of hour to adopt mechanisations and latest agricultural practices in our field in order to increase per acre productivity. He stressed upon researchers and agricultural experts to focus on crops that will not only enhance productivity but also ensure food security.
He said that in the west researcher who started his work on a specific crop continued his working on the same crop throughout his life and his focused efforts helped brought tangible results in term of enhanced productivity. He expressed his grave concern that despite of being an agrarian country, Pakistan is importing agricultural goods.
Punjab Sugarcane Research and Development Board CEO Dr Shaid Afghan said that they were aiming at increasing cane and sugar yields per unit area, improved efficiency of inputs (water, fertilisers, agrochemicals, diesel, labour/manpower) and sustainable production system (including environment friendly approach, soil fertility & health, socio-economic aspects).
They were exploring potential of bi-products & energy production from sugarcane biomass, preparing for mechanisation in future, application of new technologies and effective technology transfer and capacity building of young researchers/technicians/farmers.
Chairman Dr Asif Tanvir said adoption of modern agri methods at par with modern world, varieties, timely sowing of crops, balanced usage of fertiliser as per agricultural experts' recommendation are prerequisite to increase agricultural yield and ensure food security. He said that the latest practices of agricultural, timely sowing and best breeds will be imperative to improve the productivity.