UAF sets up 'Zarai Baithak' to provide solutions to agriculture problems

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad sets up "Zarai Baithak" (Zaraibaithak.com) meant to providing solutions to agri problems of the farming community by using information technology. The project is carried out by Institute of Agri Extension and Rural Development in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Punjab. 

It was announced at the International Symposium titled "Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based Agricultural Advisory and Extension in Pakistan" arranged by the Institute at Video Conference Hall on Wednesday. The session was chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while the scientists from the University of California, Davis, US including Dr Jim Hill and Dr Mark Bell were guests of honour on the occasion. 

Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the website provides an opportunity to farmers especially living in far-flung areas to discuss their problems with agricultural experts for boosting up production. He said agriculture production excluding corn and potato has been stagnant for the last couple of years whereas the population is increasing rapidly. 

He was of the view that newspapers, mobile phones, TVs, internet and other information technologies gained immense importance, influencing the opinions of the people. The effective use of these technologies for agriculture purpose can help the country uplift the agricultural sector. He also said the knowledge is generating with the large pace that must be communicated to the farmers. 

Dr Jim Hill stressed the need for collaborative efforts on the part of scientists and stakeholders to work together for ensuring food security in the world. The food security is one of the major threats for the world amid climate changes and depleting water resources. "We have to use the modern technologies useable for farmers," he added. 

To read more: UAF sets up 'Zarai Baithak' to provide solutions to agriculture problems 

Adapted from Business Recorder.