Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad,Vice Chancellor, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) has said that water is essential element for agriculture and mismanagement of this valuable resource is badly affecting the economy of the country.

He stated this while addressing on the ceremony of Releasing Fishes in University newly constructed Rain Water Harvested Reservoir. He was of the opinion that efficient use of water in agriculture sector is needed and suggested the techniques of water harvesting to overcome the problem of water scarcity. He emphasized that we have to educate people to take responsibility in efficient water use & management and there is a dire need that young researchers and academicians to initiate research initiatives on water issues and facilitate government in taking correct policy decisions.

While talking about the benefits, Vice Chancellor said that rain water harvesting can be highly beneficial for sustainable agriculture in rain fed areas and will help in mitigating the current water scarcity problems. It help to reduce the cost of potable water and can improve the water table, he added. He was of the opinion that the water harvesting practices can boost agriculture production in the rain-fed areas of the country. Moreover, the government should encourage the construction of small dams and bunds to store the rain water during rainy reason, he added. He further said that the initiative should be taken from the government buildings in different institutes and the rain water harvesting will not only improve the current underground water reservoirs but will also help in saving energy utilized for pumping of water.

He further said that the construction of this reservoir would be used as model for the farmers, where integrated approaches of modern farming would be used like drip/sprinkler irrigation for orchards, tunnel farming for vegetable production etc. This would also be used as demonstration site for the farmers of the region to adopt the identified modern farming techniques practiced at the their own farms. He emphasized that our focus should be on rainwater harvesting, water resource development and value addition of farm produce

While talking about the releasing fish in reservoir, he informed the gathering that two types fishes (i.e. for food and to eliminate the dengue) are released in the reservoir with the objective to provide an opportunity to the students and faculty for their research purpose. He suggested that that there is a dire need to work together to combat dengue fever and people should focus on preventive measures against dengue virus instead of being afraid of the disease. He stressed the faculty members and students to create awareness about the disease with the commitment and dedication until dengue virus had been completely eradicated. He further stated that social organizations should come forward and play an active role in educating people about the preventive measures for dengue, he added.