FAO Resource Centre inaugurated at Sindh Agriculture University

TANDO JAM: With an aim to engage and support Pakistani youth associated with agriculture, the FAO Resource Centre was inaugurated at Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam.Mina Dowlatchahi FAO Representative in Pakistan and Professor Dr Mujeeb-uddin Memon Sahrai unveiled the plaque in the presence of senior faculty members of the university, students and FAO delegation.As a result of collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this center will promote the use of latest technology through development of strong relationship with farmer groups, researchers and academia. Speaking at the ceremony, Mina` Dowlatchahi FAO Representative in Pakistan said “FAO looks forward to a fruitful and long collaboration to support youth development and unlocking the potential of the agriculture sector in Sindh. This center will improve delivery to agri-sector and help encourage combined investment and strategies for sustainable agriculture development in the province”.Graduates will be facilitated at the center by providing them access to mentors and gain valuable career development advice and ideas. This will also serve as a platform for research and development to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.Uptake of new technologies, changes in agricultural and water management practices by small holder farmers with concurrent actions to help conserve natural resources and protect the eco-systems are crucial for achieving food security and the eradication of malnutrition in all its forms in Sindh.In this connection, FAO is working to implement a land tenure system that can sustainably improve the equitable access to, and governance of, land and natural resources, allowing for improvements in agricultural production, food security and nutrition under the project ‘Improved Land Tenancy in Sindh Province (ILTS)’ with the financial assistance of the European Union in 8 districts of Sindh.Another project to help small farmers in selected districts of Indus basin to build their resilience and adapt to climate change has also been finalized which will directly benefit 1.5 million people in the area.Vice Chancellor of the university thanked FAO for the support in setting up the center and said students, faculty and farmers will benefit alike.