LAHORE, A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Ms. Noriko Sato, Senior Natural Resources Specialist/Mission Leader, visited the Centre for Water Informatics and Technology (WIT) at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Their mission was to explore state-of-the-art opportunities in high-tech agriculture and to lay the groundwork for a global High-Tech Knowledge Intensive Agricultural University Network.
According to a news release by LUMS University, the ADB delegation was cordially received by the University’s senior leadership, including Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Acting Vice Chancellor and Provost, and Dr. Abubakr Muhammad, Executive Director of WIT. LUMS representatives provided an in-depth briefing about the University’s multifaceted programmes, research endeavours, and entrepreneurial activities.
In the backdrop of an escalating global need for sustainable food production, discussions revolved around the paradigm shift from conventional to knowledge-driven agriculture. The use of modern technologies, such as smart sensors and data analytics, were highlighted. The delegation expressed a desire to foster a university network that encourages agropreneurs, sparks innovation, and bolsters academic-industry alliances. This collaborative platform aims to bridge technological disparities between developed and developing nations in the realm of agricultural technology.
Ms. Sato detailed ADB’s Agritech University Network Programme, emphasizing the Bank’s intent to forge partnerships with institutions at the forefront of high-tech agriculture. She outlined ADB’s plan to facilitate a consortium of like-minded universities to collaboratively pinpoint Pakistan’s high-tech agricultural requisites and strategize international backing.
Dr. Muhammad, during the visit, illuminated the Centre’s significant projects on Digital Agriculture and Water Governance. His presentation underscored the WIT’s commitment to effecting positive transformation in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, highlighting key areas such as Climate Analytics and Water Risks and Governance.
The meeting also saw insights from LUMS faculty. Dr. Khurram Bashir spotlighted the Department of Life Sciences’ endeavors in sustainable agriculture, with a focus on improving drought resistance in essential crops. Dr. Zaigham Shahzad shed light on his research, aiming for a comprehensive, sustainable agriculture model, ultimately benefiting food security and farmers’ well-being.
The exchange included an in-depth look at ongoing digital and sustainable agriculture projects at LUMS, paving the way for future collaborations. Concluding their visit, the ADB representatives were given a firsthand view of LUMS’s Agri-Tech innovations, expressing particular interest in the cutting-edge digital agriculture sensors and the forest fire early warning system.