(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By: Zafar Chishti)
Faisalabad: Every year on December 5, World Soil Day is celebrated. In this regard, a dignified ceremony was organized at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad in collaboration with the Department of Soil Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, Soil Science Society of Pakistan, and Engro Fertilizers Pakistan. Recommendations were presented concerning soil conservation, improvement of land fertility, increase in crop yield and sustainable agricultural development.Chief Scientist Agricultural Research Punjab, Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman, presided over the ceremony. Chief Scientist Wheat Research, Dr. Javed Ahmed; Chief Scientist Soil Chemistry & Environmental Sciences Punjab Lahore, Dr. Sarfraz Hussain; Chief Scientist Soil Chemistry and National Coordinator Climate Change Center, Dr. Abid Niaz; Chief Scientist Reference Laboratory Kala Shah Kaku, Dr. Abdullah Niaz; Director Agricultural Information, Dr. Asif Ali; Dr. Muhammad Arif; Dr. Muhammad Amjad Qureshi; Dr. Samreen Siddiq; Dr. Afra Saleem; Dr. Qudsia Nazeer; Dr. Ana Aslam; Dr. Hina Javed; Dr. Allah Nawaz; Dr. Irfan-ul-Haq; Dr. Abdul Majeed; Regional Manager Engro Fertilizers Pakistan, Dr. Imran Ahmed; Dr. Muhammad Aftab, along with other scientists and agricultural experts participated in the event.While addressing the ceremony, Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman said that soil holds great importance as a source of essential nutrients for food crops. Maintaining soil health is vital for national food security. He added that events such as World Soil Day help create awareness among the public and farmers regarding the restoration of soil fertility while providing a foundation for research development and practical implementation.In their messages, Dr. Sarfraz Hussain, Dr. Abid Niaz, Dr. Javed Ahmed, Dr. Abdullah Niaz, and Afra Saleem (Joint Secretary, Soil Society of Pakistan) stated that all available resources are being utilized to transfer modern research findings and recommendations to farmers in order to address soil erosion, declining fertility, and the impacts of climate change.
During the ceremony, commemorative shields and certificates were distributed among guests. An awareness rally was also held in connection with World Soil Day, during which participants raised awareness regarding soil conservation through banners and placards. At the end of the event, trees were planted to protect the environment and to show commitment to eco-friendly practices. Participants expressed hope that such academic and research programs would continue in the future. Agricultural scientists of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad and the private sector will continue to play an important role in the development of Pakistan’s agriculture, soil conservation and promotion of a sustainable agricultural system.
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