Agricultural produce can be converted into value addition: PHEC chairperson

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Apr, 2026) Punjab Higher education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Prof.Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that it was a matter of grave concerns that the country wastes 20 to 40 percent of agricultural produce that can be converted into value addition by adopting latest technologies like dehydrators and others to meet the demands and earn foreign exchange.

He stated this during a visit to University of Agriculture Faisalabad’s (UAF) centers including Pak-Korea Nutrition Center, Center for Advanced Studies, National Incubation Center,Solar Park and called on UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali.

He also met UAF students who have visited Chinese Universities for higher studies.

Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan highlighted the urgent need to minimize crop losses in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

He pointed out that a significant quantity of vegetables and fruits i.e. potato, tomatoes, peas, mango, onion, strawberry, banana, jujube, and citrus fruits go to waste every year due to their perishable nature.

He said that adopting modern preservation techniques, particularly dehydration technology, can play a vital role in enhancing value addition, extending shelf life and creating new market opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

He urged the students to come up with innovative ideas and business plans to address the current challenges including malnutrition, water issues, food security and others. Only knowledge-based economies are excelling across the globe, he added.

Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali urged the scientists to develop product enriched with nutrition to effectively tackle the challenge of malnutrition in the country.

He emphasized that academia must play a proactive role in developing affordable, nutritious, and locally adaptable food products to ensure food security and improved public health.