Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) and The Republic of South Korea have agreed to initiate collaborative research projects in the field of agriculture, particularly for promotion of soybean cultivation in the country. It was decided in a meeting held between PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad and Korean delegation headed by Korean Ambassador in Pakistan Mr. Jong Hwan Song, on March 04, 2015. They discussed the possibilities of collaboration in academic, research, training and value chain activities for the development of agriculture sector.

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. Both parties shared views for joint efforts that are important for potential expansion of future collaborations.

In a meeting it was decided that they will work together to create awareness among farming community for Soybean cultivation. Participants also decided to cooperate in education & research in areas of mutual interest and to establish mutual scientific, educational and cultural programmes in order to assert and consolidate relationships between the two countries.

Both parties also agreed  to train the farmers in how to increase their farm productivity, more effective means for production of superior-quality seeds, post-harvest handling of crops, value-addition and marketing and advanced on-farm management.

On the occasion, Korean Ambassador Mr. Jong Hwan Song, said that soybean is one of the most valuable crops in the world not only as an oil seed crop but also as a good source of protein for the human diet. He appreciated the efforts of PMAS-AAUR in the development of higher education and research, especially in the field of arid agriculture, where the harvestable resources 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.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor briefed the delegation on the academic, research and extension programs of the University and its role in the development of agriculture sector. Vice Chancellor said scientists are working to reduce the cost of production in the country and make the crop profitable for farmers. The efforts are being made to promote soybean crop in Pothwar area to exploit the potential.  He said that the university has its own Farm on the Chakwal Road for hands-on training of students. He said that the university is actively involved in extension activities and working with the farmers to focus on the development agriculture of small farmers. He further said that University’s overall objective is to promote economic growth by bringing more farms, and more acres, under cultivation with improved technologies and management practices to increase the agricultural productivity.