MULTAN ( APP): Fast approaching climatic changes are bringing about new diseases, influencing insects behaviour and affecting human lives in various manners.
"We have to plan our future in wake of environmental challenges. That is why we are going to add Climatic Change department to our existing disciplines to face adaptability challenges."
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In an interview with APP, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA) Vice Chancellor, Dr Asif Ali, said that major role of varsities was to change the mindset of nation as a whole.
He added that they were trying to create the sense of ownership among the local people that these institutes belonged to them while people serving there would keep on replacing.
The MNSUA VC stated that they had handed over 10 new varieties of mangoes to farmers and amateurs people for planting recently.
"Sindhri and White Chaunsa are two main types of mangoes which are exported, but their season is limited. We have identified 10 new varieties to promote our exports," he said and added that Pakistan had exported first ever mango consignment to South Korea this year.
To a question, Dr Asif disclosed that Pakistan was the only country in the world where cotton grew in sizzling summer.
"Nature helps us. Agri scientists have developed such varieties of cotton which were compatible to harsh whether conditions," he said.
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To another question, the VC replied that South Punjab produced lion's share of cotton in the country recommending that textile industry should be promoted in this area so that it could help reduce unemployment here.
Answering a question, MNSUA VC said that for checking supply of spurious seed and fake Fertilizers, the government should not only go for public private partnership but also make its monitoring more effective by recruiting staffers on attractive salary package alongwith a set target to be achieved.
Regarding wheat, Dr Asif said that the Agri scientists have introduced a short heighten wheat plant which could grow effectively in rainy conditions with help of Fertilizers and more water.
He added that Almighty Allah has blessed Pakistan with each and everything and it was our duty to get maximum benefit from it.
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Sharing new initiatives of the varsity, the VC informed that they had initiated a project for public sector higher secondary school level students of rural areas to sensitive them about food adulteration and malnutrition.
He informed that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was also doing a project on date palm in collaboration with MNSUA.