Punjab govt committed to empowering farmers: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani

Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Wednesday said the government is committed to empowering farmers and citizens with knowledge and tools for modern agriculture to enhance productivity and ensure food security

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2026) Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Wednesday said the government is committed to empowering farmers and citizens with knowledge and tools for modern agriculture to enhance productivity and ensure food security.

He expressed these views during a visit to Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), where he was accompanied by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. The minister was received by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman along with senior faculty members.

The minister appreciated the university’s contributions towards the development of modern agricultural technologies, particularly in hydroponics and controlled environment farming. He lauded its research initiatives and practical solutions aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing food security challenges in arid regions.

Highlighting the importance of the “2-Marla Rooftop Hydroponic Project”, Kirmani said the Punjab government is focusing on transforming urban and peri-urban spaces into productive green zones. He said rooftop hydroponic farming would enable families to grow organic vegetables at home, promote healthy living and help reduce household expenses.

He added that the innovative project would be finalized on priority and presented to the Chief Minister Punjab for approval.

The minister also directed the vice chancellor and the secretary agriculture to further strengthen collaboration between the university and the agriculture department for joint research, effective technology transfer and enhanced farmers’ awareness programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo appreciated the research environment and academic standards at the university. He said the department is working to make the hydroponic project available on subsidized rates to ensure its adoption at the grassroots level.

He said coordination with agricultural universities across the province is being strengthened and several projects have already been implemented through mutual cooperation. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to promoting innovative, sustainable and farmer-friendly technologies through research partnerships.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman thanked the minister and the secretary for visiting the university and showing interest in its initiatives. He said the university would continue to support the agriculture transformation plan of the chief minister through applied research, capacity building and dissemination of modern technologies.

He added that the university is actively pursuing mega research projects, establishing modern laboratories and encouraging faculty-led patents focused on low-cost, locally adaptable solutions for small-scale farmers.