KARACHI: The Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (DAAM) at the University of Karachi (KU) and the Pakistan Pest Management Association (PPMA) signed a memorandum of Understanding to establish a collaborative partnership.
This strategic partnership aims to provide internships for students, raise public awareness of sustainable pest control, and promote joint initiatives in research, innovation, and sustainable pest management across academic and community platforms.
The MoU aims to develop innovative, sustainable pest management strategies that benefit both public health and the environment.
The President of PPMA Ashraf Sattar Adamjee informed the audience that, at present, PPMA is playing the role of a ‘private regulatory authority’ in the absence of any government and semi-government organization looking after this government-neglected industry.
He mentioned that PPMA will offer KU’s DAAM students real-world exposure through structured internship programs, allowing them to work alongside industry professionals on impactful projects, building critical skills and preparing them for future careers.
He added that PPMA will also evaluate and support entrepreneurial opportunities for innovative pest management solutions and related technologies developed by researchers at KU’s DAAM.
The KU’s Dean of Faculty of Science Professor Dr Bilquess Gul observed that through a mutual exchange of academic and industry expertise, it would be easier to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.
She said that KU will be the best platform to provide durable solutions to industry problems, as its academia has vast experience on the topic and added that joint research should focus on eco-friendly pest control technologies, pest ecology, pesticide resistance, climate impact, and disease vector studies in both the agriculture and urban sectors.
Prof Dr Gul mentioned that there is a need to educate the public on sustainable pest control, hygiene practices, and environmental safety. She welcomed the idea that PPMA will form and organize a training facility to train pest technicians from the pest control industry and students.
The KU’s Dean of Faculty of Science Professor Dr Bilquees Gul and President of PPMA Ashraf Sattar Adamjee inked the MoU documents, the event was held at the Vice Chancellor Secretariat on Wednesday.
The KU’s DAAM faculty, including its Chairperson Dr Soboohi Raza, representatives of PPMA, KU’s Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan, team ORIC and others were also present on this occasion.