PRO No. 55/12
Dated 24/03/2012
Public Relations Office
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
The Sohni Dharti TV invited Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur as a guest in their Agro Online Program on the eve of 23rd March 2012. This newly emerging channel is celebrating its second anniversary on this Pakistan Day. Agro Online program is a production of Sohni Dharti in which issues of Pakistani farmers are discussed. Through this live broadcasted program, farmers have an opportunity to interact directly with agricultural experts. Furthermore, a famous character Chacha Khair Din representing farmers’ community facilitates their understanding. Professor Dr. Mukhtar congratulated the viewers on Pakistan Day and also conveyed 2nd Happy Anniversary felicitation to the channel administration. Responding to Agro Online anchor Mr. Zeeshan Alvi, Dr. Mukhtar discussed issues and opportunities for the farmers of Bahawalpur. He mentioned that Cholistan used to be a lush green in distant past when river Hakra used to irrigate this land. However, currently, there is scarcity of water in this region and need for initiating agriculture system having less dependence on water and livestock capable of surviving in harsh climatic condition. He specifically mentioned that Bahawalpur division is famous for producing better cotton, wheat, sugarcane and several other crops. Furthermore, in Cholistan there is a great opportunity for growing medicinal plants only surviving in the local climate. He mentioned that camels, goats and a variety of other animals like deer survive in Cholistan very well. He gave an example of musk deer farming in Cholistan that can bring billion of rupees improving the life standards of Cholistani people. While describing the establishment of Agriculture College at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, he thanked the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for providing generous support to establish this college in the year 2007. However, unnecessary delays hampered works, after his arrival in the year 2010, he gave top priority to the establishment of agriculture college project that was getting stale. He also thanked the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for substantial support towards the establishment of Agriculture College and several other projects. Dr. Mukhtar also stressed on the importance of establishment of Mango and Date Palm research centers at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, one of esteemed higher education institute in this region situated in Cholistan. Later on, Professor Mukhtar met the CEO of Sohni Dharti and other senior members and invited them to visit Bahawalpur. He also proposed collaboration between the University and Sohni Dharti TV for highlighting the issues of farmers in this region and improving agriculture. |
