Water scarcity, soil deterioration posing food insecurity: UAF VC

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jul, 2026) University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali has said that water scarcity, soil deterioration, lack of certified seed at farm level, and shrinking agricultural land will provoke food insecurity amid agricultural import bill for which we have to develop and promote climate resilient agriculture for a secure future.

He was chairing the Editorial board Meeting of the Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences (PAKJAS), UAF, at the Syndicate Room, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. During meeting, Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali appreciated the dedicated efforts of both the previous and the current Editorial Boards for their outstanding contributions in enhancing the journal's academic standing particularly for increasing the journal's Impact Factor from 0.6 to 1.3.

He urged the scientists to develop the technologies and enhance their efforts for increasing the productivity keeping the current challenges in view.

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He said that the agriculture is the backbone of our economy that is contributing to 24 percent to gross domestic product. He stressed the need to replace the traditional way of farming with latest practices that will not increase the farm income but also help ensure the food security.

He also commended the editorial team's collective commitment to maintaining high publication standards and strengthening the journal's international visibility.

Managing Editor Dr Muhammad Amjad Ali presented the revised PAKJAS Policy Document, highlighting updates to various editorial and publication policies to align the journal with evolving international publishing standards and best editorial practices.

He highlighted the importance of sustained dedication, rigorous editorial practices, and collective hard work to maintain the current Impact Factor and further enhance the journal's global reputation and scientific impact.