Sargodha- September 7 :Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has joined hands with University of Sargodha (UOS) Faculty of Agriculture Out-reach Extension Educational Program to enhance institutional capacities in the seed sector.
Today, a collaboration agreement was signed between FAO and UOS effective for the next two years. The collaboration builds upon FAOs experience in developing the capacity of the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department to facilitate seed and plant supply industry regulation.
Ms Mina Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative in Pakistan, and Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Vice Chancellor University of Sargodha, signed the agreement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Dowlatchahi said “FAO is pleased to begin this collaboration which will present opportunities to small holder farmers in the area and help promote entrepreneurship and provide employment to young men and women. This agreement will also help enhance institutional capacity in line with the Amended (2015) Seed Act 1976 and the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2016.
It will also be instrumental in achieving results in conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, strengthening agricultural research programmes in the adoption of modern seed technology, climate smart agriculture practices, nutrition including bio-fortified food crop varieties, and improved technologies for minimizing post harvest losses of food crops.”
The collaboration will stimulate the exchange of innovative technologies between national and international universities to benefit local farming communities, students and UOS Faculty.