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Friday, March 15, 2024

STZA & UAF team up to foster innovation in agriculture

The collaboration between the STZA and the Agricultural University of Faisalabad aims to harness the potential of advanced technologies and research to address pressing agricultural challenges.

The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) recently visited the prestigious Agricultural University of Faisalabad (UAF) to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the field of agriculture. Led by Mr. Azfar Manzoor, Chairman of STZA, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with the university’s leadership to establish a strategic knowledge ecosystem within the Special Technology Zones, focusing on critical areas such as food security, climate change, and advancements in agricultural technologies for Pakistan.

The STZA delegation, consisting of prominent members including Mr. Muhammad Aamer Saleemi, Member Zones Development & Management; Javaid Iqbal, Member Commercial Division; Imran Bhanbhro, Director Infrastructure & Projects; Atif Bilal, Director Provincial Framework; and Maaz Qureshi, Head of Chairman Secretariat, met with the high-level board of the University, chaired by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The board comprised esteemed members including Mr. Irfan Abbas, Director – P&D, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and Shahwar Khan, Program Manager of the National Incubation Center (NIC), Faisalabad.

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During the visit, discussions revolved around reviewing ongoing zone activities and deliberating on the future operationalization of an AgriTech park. The delegation also visited the National Incubation Center (NIC) at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, furthermore, a tour of the International Complex (CAS, CI-UAF, PKNC) and the UAF Farm and Machinery Workshop provided valuable insights into the university’s cutting-edge facilities and research capabilities.

The meeting resulted in a shared vision between the STZA and the Agricultural University of Faisalabad to intensify their efforts in realizing the development of a state-of-the-art special technology zone within the university. The collaboration aims to harness the potential of advanced technologies and research to address pressing agricultural challenges and contribute to the nation’s food security and sustainable development goals.

Mr. Azfar Manzoor, Chairman of STZA, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with the esteemed Agricultural University of Faisalabad in our shared mission to revolutionize the agriculture sector in Pakistan. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, research, and entrepreneurship, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that addresses the challenges of food security and climate change while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, remarking, “This partnership with STZA is a significant step towards transforming our university into a leading center of innovation in agriculture. By leveraging the potential of technology and research, we can propel Pakistan’s agricultural sector to new heights and contribute to the welfare of our farmers and the country at large.”

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Mr. Aamer Saleemi, Executive Director, and Member of Zones Development at the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) underscored the critical role of technology in agriculture. Mr. Saleemi emphasized the urgent need to leverage technology to achieve higher agricultural yields, bolster food security, conserve water resources, and expedite agricultural exports through rapid adoption and transformation. The purpose of the visit was to encourage collaboration between academia and the industry, fostering innovative solutions and propelling the advancement of Pakistan’s agricultural technology sector.

By leveraging the expertise and resources of both entities, the collaborative efforts seek to create an enabling environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. The establishment of the special technology zone within the university is envisioned to be an agritech innovation hub where industry, academia, and government converge to harness the power of technology to foster economic growth in Pakistan.