(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Zafar Chishti,Bureau Chief Punjab)
FAISALABAD: Punjab Bioenergy Institute (PBI), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has established Biogas Demonstration Plant at its Paroka Farm.
The plant was inaugurated by Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan while the ceremony was hosted by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz- Zaman, Director PBI Dr Muhammad Naveed, Additional Director PBI Dr Rizwan Tabassum also attended. The plant demonstrated especially for the villages has the capacity to provide the gases to 35 houses and run 6 tubwells. Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the country urgently needs to shift towards renewable and indigenous energy sources to reduce dependence on costly fossil fuels. He said that biogas technology is an environment-friendly and cost-effective solution that can play a vital role in overcoming the country’s energy crisis, improving rural livelihoods, and mitigating climate change. He appreciated UAF for taking a pioneering role in translating research into practical solutions for society.Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali said that the Biogas Plant reflects UAF’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and community service. He said that the university is not only producing graduates but also developing practical technologies that support farmers, protect the environment and strengthen national food and energy security. He added that agricultural waste and livestock manure can be converted into valuable clean energy, fertilizer and economic opportunities through biogas technology.
Prof. Dr. Qamar Zaman said that such projects are a model for universities across Pakistan. He said that the integration of agriculture with renewable energy is essential for sustainable development, especially in a country facing water scarcity, climate change and rising energy costs. He added that biogas plants can significantly help farmers by providing affordable energy and organic fertilizer.Dr Muhammad Naveed said that biogas energy has great potential in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where livestock is abundant. They said that biogas not only provides clean and renewable energy for cooking, electricity and heating, but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve sanitation, and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
Dr Rizwan Tabbasum said that biogas plant will help promote the technology and be used for research and development work. He added that it is step towards green innovation, climate action and sustainable development.
