Universities and farmers’ body to promote field-based agricultural research: Ibrahim Murad
Effective policies and better governance essential for farmers: Khalid Mahmood Khokhar
LAHORE ( City Reporter ) : University of Management and Technology (UMT) President Ibrahim Murad and Pakistan Kisan Ittehad President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote agricultural research and extension, transfer research-based solutions to farmers and advance modern agricultural technologies.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between the two leaders, who discussed agricultural development, farmers’ issues, food security, productivity and the adoption of modern farming technologies.
Ibrahim Murad said university research must be translated into practical solutions and taken to the fields to directly benefit farmers. He stressed stronger linkages among universities, industry and policymakers to increase agricultural productivity and promote value-added products.
“Modern technology and effective policies can significantly enhance the agricultural sector,” Murad said, adding that prosperous farmers were essential for a stronger agricultural and national economy.
Khalid Mahmood Khokhar stressed the need to reduce production costs, improve farmers’ access to markets and ensure fair prices for agricultural produce. He said farmers’ problems required effective policies, better governance and sustained dialogue among farmers, experts and policymakers.
The meeting also stressed stronger cooperation among universities, industry and farmers to promote modern technologies, improved farming practices and value addition. Both sides agreed to take further steps to formalise the proposed collaboration through the MoU.