A collaborative research project between Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam and United Bank Limited (UBL), focused on developing climate-resilient crop varieties, was today extended by four years as it enters the final phase of its ongoing efforts.
The ongoing initiative, fully financed by UBL under its agricultural development and rural support programme, has been implemented on university grounds. Its core objective is to advance high-quality seed production for cotton and wheat through cutting-edge scientific inquiry and technology transfer mechanisms, aimed at fortifying seed systems and fostering sustainable farming methods.
The seasonal sowing of these innovative cotton varieties was recently launched at SAU. Notable attendees included Dean Faculty of Crop Production Dr Inayatullah Rajpar, UBL Head of Rural Banking Syed Arif Shah, Chairman Farms Committee Dr Manzoor Ali Abro, Director Farms Dr Mohammad Mithal Lund, and Dr Shahnawaz Mari, all of whom participated actively in the planting ceremony.
Dr Rajpar lauded the project as a significant achievement for the academic institution, emphasising its role in bridging the gap between advanced agricultural research and practical application within farming communities. He asserted that such ventures not only broaden the university”s reach but also solidify its academic standing and research reputation.
From UBL”s standpoint, Syed Arif Shah revealed the bank”s establishment of a dedicated agricultural research fund to champion farmer-centric endeavours. He explained that SAU was chosen for this partnership owing to its robust research capabilities and extensive outreach infrastructure. Mr Shah further elaborated that the undertaking prioritises the generation of superior seed, including the transformation of pre-basic seed into basic seed, ensuring direct benefits accrue to agricultural producers.
University officials underscored the programme”s crucial contribution to elevating seed standards and championing climate-smart agricultural practices, particularly for cotton and wheat, which are pivotal crops for Pakistan. Insights garnered from the research are being widely circulated among cultivators to boost productivity, resilience, and long-term viability within the nation”s agricultural sector.
Other individuals present at the event included Dr Ghulam Hussain Wagan, Ahmed Arain, and Abdul Latif Leghari, alongside numerous faculty members.