(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Zafar Chishti)
FAISALABAD: Experts at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have called for climate- smart citrus production practices to cope with challenges facing citrus production. In this regards, researchers and policymakers will have to come up with adaptive and sustainable solutions for future food security.They addressed the inaugural session of a seminar on “Prospects of Climate-Smart Citrus Production: Adaptive Strategies for a Changing World”. The event was organized by Institute of Horticulture Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with China Pakistan Horticulture Research and Demonstration Center, Hauzhong Agriculture University China, Wuhan (China-Pakistan) Belt and Road Joint Laboratory, Citrus Research Institute Saargodha and Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab Peshawar. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali emphasized that citrus is one of Pakistan’s most important fruit crops and plays a vital role in agricultural growth and nutrition . He stated that climate change has significantly affected citrus productivity, quality and sustainability, making climate-smart agricultural practices more relevant than ever. He stressed the need for strengthening research, innovation and international collaboration to cope with environmental challenges. He said that the university is committed to promoting modern technologies, farmer education and evidence-based policies to ensure resilient citrus production. Dean Agriculture Prof Dr Ghulam Murtaza appreciated the contributions of international speakers for sharing global experiences and expressed hope that such seminars would help bridge the gap between research and practical farming, ultimately benefiting growers and the national economy.
Director Institute of Horticulture Dr Ahmad Sattar said that Pakistan is blessed with fertile land, and the real challenge lies in its wise utilization through proper crop selection and planning. He emphasized that fruits play a vital role in ensuring balanced nutrition and healthy growth. He described citrus as a major agricultural commodity of Pakistan with vast export potential, stressing the need for adopting modern farming practices, research-based decision-making and climate-resilient strategies to strengthen the citrus sector.Dr Yong Zhong Liu from Huazhong Agricultural University, China, emphasized the importance of scientific management practices to improve citrus productivity. He shared advanced field techniques being practiced in China, including efficient nutrient management, canopy control, precision irrigation and climate-responsive cultivation methods. He stated that adopting modern technology, improved plant varieties and data-driven farming can significantly enhance yield and fruit quality, enabling farmers to achieve maximum production even under climate stress.Dr Sajjad from Texas A&M University, USA, highlighted that citrus farming offers multiple economic and nutritional benefits for farmers and rural communities. He stressed that by learning from current experiences and research, future generations would be better equipped to adopt climate-smart citrus production systems. Dr Muhammad Azam highlighted that climate-smart citrus production is no longer an option but a necessity in the face of rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. He said that integrated farming approaches, efficient water management and responsible use of agrochemicals can significantly improve citrus yield and sustainability.
Dr Muhammad Usman, Dr Adnan Younus Dr Rai Muhammad Asif, Dr Summar Abass Naqvi, Dr Rashad Waseem, Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and other notables attended the event.
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