Agriculturists must ensure food security through innovation, high-yield seeds: governor

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2026) Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan on Friday urged the agricultural scientists to ensure food security by undertaking solid research and developing high-yield seed varieties to tackle contemporary challenges, stressing that innovation in agriculture was vital for the country’s sustainable future.

He expressed these views during his visit to University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) where he inaugurated the Teaching Research Computing Facility and addressed university faculty members at New Senate Hall UAF.

He lauded the contribution of TT Global Foundation for donating 1,000 computers to the university, terming it a commendable initiative that would significantly enhance educational standards and research capacity.

Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts, he said that the government was striving to provide modern facilities through public-private partnerships to address national challenges effectively.

He also appreciated the educational contributions of Faisal Shahzad CEO of TT Global Foundation and Vice Chancellor UAF Dr Zulfiqar Ali.

Sardar Saleem Haider Khan noted with concern that despite being an agricultural country, Pakistan spends billions of rupees annually on importing agricultural commodities, calling it a matter of serious reflection.

Referring to international developments, he said that Pakistan’s role in mediating US-Iran tensions had been acknowledged widely at global level.

He said that the ceasefire helped restore peace in the region, earning Pakistan international recognition.

He commended the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts.

He expressed optimism that peace in the region would boost foreign investment in Pakistan and open new avenues of economic development.

The governor also praised the academic and research contributions of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and expressed confidence that the institution would continue to play a leading role in modernizing agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that 48 scientists from the university were ranked among the top two percent globally.

He said that the university had secured 33rd position worldwide in agriculture and forestry according to QS rankings, making it the only Pakistani institution included among the top 100 in this field. The university was also ranked 61st globally in veterinary sciences, he added.

He appreciated the government’s education-friendly policies and said that digitalization had become essential for progress in every sector.

He thanked the TT Global Foundation for supporting digital initiatives at the university and acknowledged the contributions of Dr Waseem Akram Chairman Entomology in this regard.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali further said that solid measures were being taken to improve student-teacher ratio at the university to enhance the quality of education.