German Ambassador to Pakistan Bernhard Schlagheck said that Pakistan and Germany ties in academy, research and agriculture sector would be further fostered to get benefit from each other experiences. He called on University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) vice chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf and addressed the deans and directors at the meeting room.
Bernhard underlined the importance of exchange program between both countries to enhance bilateral relations. He said that agriculture sector was relatively unproductive in Pakistan and was an extremely important sector of any country. He also lauded the steps being taken on the part the UAF for the teaching, research and the agriculture sector. Bernhard added that the universities should shape policies for the development. The ambassador said that more and more Pakistanis were interested in either studying or conducting research in Germany.
UAF vice chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf said that UAF was enjoying good relations with German institutes. He added that further strengthened ties would help open up new horizon of development and prosperity. Dr Ashraf added that agriculture was considered the backbone of our economy, which was contributing 19% to the Gross Domestic Product and providing manpower to 45% of the total populations. He said that more than 90% of the farming community consisted of small farmers in Pakistan who could not afford the heavy cost machinery, the situation provoked the low productivity. He also said that climate changes were posing a serious threat to agriculture sector. Keeping in view, new climate resilient varieties must be developed. High yielding, disease free and capable to combat climate changes were imperative to move the agriculture towards development.