FAISALABAD:Center of Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) could be set up at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) to combat food insecurity challenges in addition to feed ever-increasing population.
This was stated by Mr. Daulet Yemberdiyev Ambassador/Director of Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Office IOFS while addressing a meeting at UAF when IOFS delegation visited the university here on Tuesday.
He said that at present, IOFS was comprised of 37 countries out of 57 OIC states.
He said that the UAF had proved its mettle across the globe in agriculture and hoped that in Pakistan, Islamic Organization Center for Food Security could be set up at the UAF for which he would discuss with higher authorities.
Director General Prof Yerlan A Baidaulet IOFS said, “We are focusing on provision of expertise and technical knowledge to the member states on various aspects of sustainable agriculture, rural development, food security, and biotechnology”. “We are meant to coordinate, formulate and implement common agricultural policies, such as exchange and transfer of appropriate technology and public food management systems”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that Pakistan was made a member of Islamic Organization for Food Security in 2013 and the UAF was taking all possible measures for the noble cause of food security.
He said that UAF was also running a Chinese Center and a Korean Centre whereas establishment of IOFS would be a hallmark step that would help fight the common challenges of food and agriculture among the member states in addition to further boost collaborative work.
IOFS delegation also visited the Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, Center for Agriculture Biochemistry and Biotechnology, and main library UAF.
Principal Officer Public Relations & Publications Prof Dr Jalal Arif and Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali were also present on the occasion.