Faisalabad, March 27, 2026: 90 per cent of agricultural soils are deficient in nitrogen, while post-harvest losses of 15 to 20 per cent are adding to the burden on farmers, experts said on Friday.
Therefore, the agricultural community has to adopt expert recommendations that will not only increase productivity but also make agriculture profitable a job.
They were addressing the Farmers’ Day function organized by the University of Agriculture at Mohamed Azim Tarana’s farm in Muza Khai. Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural Extension Department, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) and Fatima Group as part of the Regional Agricultural Forum (Central Punjab) Collaborative Initiative.
The ceremony was attended by farmers from 7 federal councils and 19 villages.
In his virtual address, AFU Vice President, Professor Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that under the forum, crop-related collaborative efforts have been strengthened for all stakeholders to address agricultural challenges and showcase modern technology among farmers.
He also stressed the need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the agricultural sector.
He praised the steps taken by the government for agricultural development and addressing farmers’ issues.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Murtaza, said that irrational use of inputs not only increases the cost of production, but also creates an obstacle in utilizing agricultural potential.
He urged them to follow expert recommendations regarding inputs, mechanization, varieties and effective water techniques.
He said that the country is blessed with four seasons and fertile land, but we do not exploit the potential because of the rational shift away from agriculture.
Ayub’s chief scientist in wheat research, Dr Javed Ahmed, urged wheat farmers to adopt the latest technologies to reduce post-harvest losses.
Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, Director of Extension, said that the government is taking all possible measures to advance agriculture and provide support for inputs and mechanization.
Dr Amir Maqsood said that UAF has developed the uaffertilizer app which provides fertilizer and crop recommendations to the farming community.
He said the lack of nitrogen and phosphorus caused a 35 percent drop in productivity.
Dr. Muhammad Saber said that the deterioration of soil health can cause food Insecurity crisis. Therefore, we advise farmers to conduct soil analysis and make rational use of their inputs.
Mohammed Imran, deputy director of Fatima Group, said that the lack of fertilizers caused a 40 percent drop in productivity. He also reviewed the various initiatives.
UAF Agricultural Extension Director Dr Babar Shahbaz said that the Central Punjab Regional Agricultural Forum reaffirmed the commitment to collaborative efforts by the academic, research and extension communities, agricultural community and industry with an integrated approach.
Dr. Akhlaq Madasur of Sugarcane Research Institute urged farmers to use certified and high-yielding varieties and briefed them on various initiatives.
Amanant Ali, technical department official at Fatima Group, said: “The pH of our soil is high and we have to measure it in this regard.”
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Dr. Rizwana Maqbool, and Assistant Director of Guidance, Dr. Khalid Parvez.