Agricultural experts, researchers, and citrus growers convened today to address critical challenges within the citrus supply chain, focusing on enhancing fruit quality and boosting profitability for farmers at a Farmer Field Day held in Chak 118 NB.
The gathering was organised by the University of Sargodha as a key component of the Citrus Value Chain Project, an initiative supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The programme provided a vital platform for cultivators, rural women, and specialists to exchange experiences and evaluate the progress of the collaborative project.
Project Team Leader, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irfan Ullah, stated that the initiative aims to improve fruit standards, introduce efficient marketing mechanisms, and increase returns for agriculturalists through research-driven interventions.
The significance of direct farmer engagement and practical demonstrations was underscored by Dr. Luqman, who noted their importance in fostering the adoption of modern production and post-harvest techniques.
Discussions involving faculty members and stakeholders, including Dr. Raheel Anwar, Malik Abdul Rehman, Dr. Saima Sadaf, and others, brought attention to field-level challenges and the necessity of coordinated efforts to strengthen the citrus industry.
Prof. Dr. Ijaz Rasool Noorka, Principal of the College of Agriculture, described the project as a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic research and the farming community.
The active involvement of local farmers was appreciated by Project Officer Dr. Ahsan Qureshi, Social Mobiliser Ms. Shafaq, and Research Associate Mr. Talha. Organisers also acknowledged the crucial guidance provided by national and Australian experts, including Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sattar, Dr. Raj, Dr. Gomathy, and Tim, which facilitated the project”s effective implementation.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, concentrating on sustainable practices and market-oriented citrus development for the region.