A delegation from Massey University New Zealand visited Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), here on Tuesday, with an aim to introduce higher education & research system of the New Zealand in Pakistan educational institutes to identify and establish long term collaborations and bilateral relations.

The delegation comprising Prof. Dr. Richard Archer & Mr. Michael O’Shaughnessy met with the PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad and discussed the possibilities of collaboration in academics, research, training etc. between the both institutes.

On the occasion, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR gave a detailed presentation on the educational, research, extension programs of the University, its future plans and role in the development of agriculture sector.  He said that the university is actively involved in extension activities and working with the farmers in the field with focus on the development of small farmers. He further said that University’s overall objective is to promote economic growth by bringing more farms, and more acres, under improved technologies and management practices to increase the agricultural productivity. He emphasized on capacity building in various agriculture sector with the technical support of Messy University Scientists.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad highlighted the significance of close collaboration among organizations and mentioned that Arid University is working with different R&D organizations in the field of agriculture, livestock, range management, animal breeding  & genetics, wildlife and fisheries to find solutions of problems faced by farming community. University is also working on the joint research/development projects with other organizations/institutes to accelerate the production of plant nurseries of olive, grapes, citrus & other fruits for the purpose of research, education and supply to the farmers, he added.

 The visiting delegation exchanged views with PMAS-AAUR academic leadership and applauded its numerous steps to develop the institutional relations with leading institutions and corporate entities. The delegation also visited field visit including Ostrich Farm, model of roof rainwater harvesting and was impressed by the research and development activities at the University. The delegation appreciated the efforts of PMAS-AAUR in the development of higher education and research, especially in the field of arid agriculture, where the harvestable recourses are limited. The delegation thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad for providing an excellent opportunity to visit the campus and updating about ongoing research activities of the University.

Both parties shared views for joint efforts that are important for potential expansion of future academic collaborations. The participants agreed to work jointly at students, faculty and institutional level to achieve high targets of today’s education and benefiting the people of both countries through collaborative activities, research and technological initiatives.