Hyderabad: The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, have agreed to strengthen and expand collaboration in agricultural research, student training, joint research projects and other initiatives aimed at addressing emerging challenges in the agriculture sector.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between SAU Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr Altaf Ali Siyal and a PARC delegation comprising Dr Sajjad Ali Rao, Member, Plant Sciences Division, PARC Islamabad, and Parwaiz Ahmed Baloch, Director General, PARC-SARC Karachi, during the delegation’s visit to the university.
The meeting was attended by Director Students-Teachers Engagement Program (STEP) Prof. Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Director Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization Dr Aasia Akbar Panhwar and other relevant officials.
The participants discussed the renewal of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PARC and SAU, collaboration under the Agricultural Linkages Program (ALP), joint research initiatives, internship and practical training opportunities for students, and the university’s role in strengthening the agriculture sector.
They emphasized the need for stronger linkages between agricultural universities and research organizations to address challenges including climate change, water scarcity, declining crop productivity, and crop pests and diseases.
Dr Altaf Ali Siyal said SAU was committed to strengthening partnerships with national agricultural research organizations. He said joint research projects, student internships and practical training opportunities would enhance students’ professional skills and contributes to developing scientific solutions to agricultural challenges.
Dr Sajjad Ali Rao appreciated SAU’s contribution to agricultural education and research and said closer cooperation between PARC and the university could help translate research and training into practical benefits for the agriculture sector and farming communities.
The participants agreed to continue consultations on the renewal of the MoU, identify areas for joint research, create internship opportunities for students and undertake collaborative activities in key areas of agriculture.
The visit was Dr Sajjad Ali Rao’s first introductory visit to SAU after joining PARC as Member, Plant Sciences Division
