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The University of Sargodha will develop model farms and strengthen research collaboration to address citrus diseases, improve production and revive exports, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat (H.I., S.I., T.I.) said during a meeting with citrus growers, exporters and representatives of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He said sustainable research and a coherent policy are essential to restore the citrus sector, a major agricultural crop and a key identity of Sargodha. He added that changing climatic conditions, viral infections and other diseases have been posing serious challenges to citrus cultivation and exports.
The vice chancellor said university researchers are working on citrus on a priority basis, with a focus on disease prevention, improved productivity and sectoral recovery. He stressed that coordinated efforts among growers, researchers and relevant agricultural institutions were necessary to achieve sustainable results.
He said collaboration agreements with agricultural research institutions would also be pursued to support citrus improvement and rehabilitation.
The meeting was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan, deans, Registrar Waqar Ahmad, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), senior faculty members of the College of Agriculture, and representatives of the business community, including Chamber of Commerce Vice President Rao Hamza Qayyum.
Chamber representatives, growers and exporters shared their recommendations and concerns regarding the citrus sector and assured the university of their cooperation in efforts to revive the industry.
Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan and Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf also briefed the participants on technical aspects of citrus cultivation and the proposed way forward.