Hyderabad: The experts from national institutes and International Organizations today highlighted the pivotal role of agricultural engineering in ensuring food security, addressing climate change, and harnessing the potential of drone and solar energy technologies.
They highlighted this at a ceremony held on the occasion of the Agriculture Engineer Students Gala, organized under the auspices of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam in collaboration with Student-Teacher Engagement Program (STEP), according to a statement on Thursday. They said that involvement of agriculture engineering inputs is a must to ensure food security
During the gala, students showcased new engineering and smart models prepared by the final-year students, participated in quiz competitions, poster competitions, and delivered speeches in various languages.
The inauguration of the exhibition was conducted by Dr. Fateh Marri, Vice Chancellor and Dr. Yusuf Zafar, former chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and consultant to FAO, along with Dean Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal.”
While addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri emphasized that agriculture is no longer just a conventional field but rather an evolving domain connected with new experiences, innovations, and cutting-edge technologies. He highlighted the pivotal role of information technology, smart technology, and agricultural mechanization in this field.
Dr. Marri mentioned that according to the Washington Accord, the Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (B.E) degree has gained global recognition by being associated with the OB level-2, This recognition has elevated the global significance of agricultural engineering.
Dr. Yusuf Zafar, former chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and consultant to FAO, highlighted the disparity in agricultural machinery during his address. He noted that Pakistan currently possesses around one million tractors, yet remains limited in terms of threshers and combine harvesters, while developed countries like Holland have transitioned to advanced mechanisms such as drones, solar technology, and GIS.
Dr. Zafar emphasized the need for Pakistan to adopt these modern technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Altaf Siyal expressed concerns regarding employment opportunities for graduates of agricultural engineering, but he expressed confidence in resolving this issue soon. He mentioned that our graduates are preparing several excellent models for display, which will be significant for the country’s agriculture.
At the event, shields, medals, cash prizes, and certificates were awarded to students and organizers who excelled in all competitions, including Dr. Mashooq Talpur, Dr. Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, Dr. Zahir Ahmed Khan, and all the participants who secured prominent positions.