Bahawalpur, The 8th International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, organized by the Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), in collaboration with the Pakistan Phytopathological Society and the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research, commenced at IUB’s Baghdad ul-Jadeed Campus.
According to Islamia University of Bahawalpur, the conference, which runs from November 26 to 28, was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar. The conference’s theme, “Sustainable agriculture and food security, the nexus of plant pathogens, climate change, and water challenges,” brings together 530 scientists, teachers, researchers, and experts from countries including America, China, Turkey, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
The focal person of the conference, Prof. Dr. Naveed Aslam Malghani, highlighted the significance of the event in addressing the challenges posed by plant pathogens, climate change, and water issues to sustainable agriculture and food security. Prominent speakers, including Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, President of Pakistan Phytopathological Society, and experts from Nanjing Agricultural University, China, ECO Science Foundation Islamabad, and various universities across Pakistan, delivered detailed speeches.
More than 430 papers were presented at the conference, focusing on crop diseases, technology use, and expert strategies for disease prevention in fruits, vegetables, and field crops. The conference offers a platform for agricultural professionals to discuss the latest trends and innovations in sustainable agriculture.
Additionally, 60 delegates, especially young scientists and PhD students, were mentored to participate in the conference without financial constraints. Prof. Dr. Malghani expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar and Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain Turabi for their support and guidance in organizing this crucial academic event. The conference witnessed a significant turnout of officers, faculty members, and students.