Pak-China scholars for strengthening coordination in agriculture technology

HYDERABAD: Chinese scholars and researchers in different fields representing South China Agriculture University (SCAU) on Tuesday showed keen interest in working with Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam and believe they have more opportunities for new cadre and graduates.
They shared this on the occasion of Pak-China international seminar on Agricultural Technology jointly organised by SAU and SCAU at the university premises. The event brought together agriculture scientists, researchers, farmers, sugarcane experts, faculty members and students to share their experiences.
SAU University Advancement and Financial Assistance Director Prof M Ismail Kumbhar appreciated the Pakistani and Chinese scientists, researchers and professionals for presenting their latest research results and ideas on agriculture mechanisation, breeding, soil sciences, and post harvest technologies.
He said they wanted to develop linkages and sharing of technology in the field of agriculture. They will go ahead to strengthen relationship between industries, research institutes, governmental agencies, private sector and universities on the focal theme of agricultural technology.
In his detailed presentation about the SAU programmes, Kumbhar said the university has developed 10-year vision, carrying various research and academic programmes, focusing on emerging technology, water management, as well as pre and post harvest management. “There is a plan to also establish bio saline institute to deal with the problems in Sindh.”
Kumbhar said the university has already signed MoU with SCAU and was further working to strengthen the collaboration.
“Agriculture in Sindh started after establishing Sukkur barrage, which has been the backbone of the irrigation system,” he said, and gave a list of faculty members, who received PhDs from China in different subjects and were now working in SAU.
Dr Zhang Zhike, College of Horticulture of SCAU briefed about the

working relations and opportunity to sign MoUs with SAU. He said they have come to observe the SAU’s work in the field of research. SCAU situated adjacent to Hong Kong was established in 1909.
Dr Zhang briefed about the productivity of the university in terms of agriculture and environment. She said SCAU has 26 colleges on different subjects related to the university faculties, research and environment.
Ashfaq Soomro, Executive Director, Research and Development Foundation (RDF), shared his experiences in agriculture practices. He said Sindh has two major crop seasons - Kharif and Rabi - covering almost all crops, grains and cash important products.
RDF is working on irrigation system in different districts with farmer communities. He said presently Sindh was facing water scarcity, which affects overall productivity. He also spoke about the natural disasters like floods, droughts and cyclones, which have caused huge loss to agriculture and other infrastructure.
He linked it to climate change. “When there is less rainfall the province in arid zones face drought-like situation,” he added.
Prof Liao Zongwen of College of Natural Resources and Environment, China, presentated on harvest technology in China and introduced citrus production. Speakers lauded agreed the time was ripe to explore the blessings of agriculture and understand ways and means to apply these in agricultural sciences. They said it was a multifunctional approach and the integration of agricultural technologies with other non-agricultural innovative strategies was vital for sustainable development.