This edition includesThis edition includesThis edition includesŸ The 4th Meeting Of The Academic

Council Of Mnsuam

Ÿ Admissions Open For Chinese Language

Short Course

Ÿ Workshop On Cotton Mission 2025

Ÿ Mnsuam Student Participated In Sap

Conference In London

Ÿ Mnsuam Student Got First Position In All

Multan English Debate Competition

Ÿ The Hec Intervarsi ty Vol leybal l

Tournament

Ÿ Delegation Of International Scientists

Visited Mnsuam

Ÿ Peace Theatre At Mnsuam

Ÿ Inauguration Of Spring Festival 2018

Ÿ Cultural Night

Ÿ International Seminar On Pulses And

Wheat For Food Security

Ÿ Seminar On Entomology For Better

World

Ÿ Nat iona l Seminar On Sof tware

Technology And Agriculture Innovation

Ÿ Seminar On Smog Pollution: Causes,

Effects And Solutions

A Primary source of authentic news and information about academics, extra-curriculum activities, policy p e r s p e c t i v e a n d i n s t i t u t i o n development.

Volume ( 3 ) , Number ( 4 )Volume ( 3 ) , Number ( 4 )February 16- February 28, 2018February 16- February 28, 2018

Volume ( 3 ) , Number ( 4 )February 16- February 28, 2018

16-28 February, 2018

16-28 February, 2018

thThe 4 meeting of the Academic Council of Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture,

thMultan was held on 17 February, 2018 under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali. The house granted approval for initiating new programs at the University including undergraduate programs in Depar tment o f Veterinary and Animals Sciences

thThe 4 Meeting of the Academic Councilof MNSUAM

and postgraduate programs in Plant Pathology, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and MS Computer Science. Moreover, scheme of studies of various teaching departments were also approved. During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali shared his views with the members of the Academic Council regarding advancement in the eld of agriculture and implementation of modern education system for students. The Vice Chancellor also gave his recommendations for establishing new departments at the University which were appreciated by all members of the house. In the end, the Vice Chancellor thanked all the members for their participation and valuable contribution.

Prof. Dr. Asif Ali is presiding the meeting of the Academic Council

Admissions Open For Chinese Language Short Course

Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan opened admissions f o r Ch i nese Language Learning course. The two-

month short course will help students learn Chinese, especially in the wake of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The intending candidates will have to submit a fee of PKR 2,500/- for admission in Basic Chinese Language and Culture course. The candidates should be of 18 years old and having National ID Card or B-form. The last date for submission of applications is February 28. The classes would be held in the Continuing Education Department of the University.

Technology and Agricultural innovations in Agriculture

Smog has emerged as the 5th season in some parts of Pakistan. Therefore, to create awareness among the academia and stakeholders, a seminar was conducted on 28th February, 2018 in the Seminar Hall of the MNSUAM. The seminar was presided over by the MNSUAM Vice Chancellor, prof. Dr. Asif Ali, while, Dr. Ghulam Rasul (Director General, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Islamabad) was the chief guest of this event. Dr. Tanveer-ul-Haq (Chairman, Depar tment of Soi l and

Environmental Sciences) welcomed the distinguished guests, speakers, members from South Punjab Agriculture Forum, faculty, students and interested participants in the seminar. He elaborated the problem of smog pollution in the country and need for this awareness seminar. He also informed the house about the departmental initiative to launch a Master degree program on climate change in academic year starting from September, 2018. Dr. Muhammad Shahid, HoD Environmental Science, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology explained that smog is formed when fog and smoke is combined together during the month of October and November, coupled with low temperature, high moisture and slow wind speed. Pakistan is suffering huge economic losses due to smog pollution in the form of delayed ights, decline in crop yields and respiratory illnesses, he lamented. Prof. Dr. Jamil Anwar, Director Institute of Chemistry, University of Punjab explained that humans can survive on polluted food and water, but not on polluted air. He also discussed the history of smog pollution in the world and its effects on ozone depletion in the Antarctic Region. Dr. Nazim Hussain Labar, Chairman Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University recommended efcient mechanization and conservation agriculture to eradicate the problem. He also mentioned how the growth and quality of cotton is seriously affected due to smog.Mr. Muhammad Idrees, Assistant Director Multan Environment Department discussed the Punjab Government's role in tackling this issue. The chief guest, Dr. Ghulam Rasool announced an observatory to be built at Jalalpur Pirwala farm of the University. He also disclosed that a memorandum of understanding was signed between MNSUAM and Pakistan Metrological Department for mutual collaboration on adapting to the climate change. This also includes an internship and training program for post graduate students and faculty.Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor MNSUAM appreciated the efforts made by the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences and congratulated them for highlighting current issues. He further added that developing world due to lack of resources and poor implementation of legislation fails to balance the greenhouse gases emission and treatment of dangerous efuents from industries. Industrial development is need of the time but it should be safe from environmental perspective. A poster competition was also organized on Smog a Threat to the Environment, wherein the rst, second and third place winners were awarded with certicates.

Seminar on Smog Pollution: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Speakers and participants of the seminar on smog

16-28 February, 2018

Professor Dr. Asif Ali is Addressing the participants of the Workshop on Cotton Mission

Page 2

Upon directions of the Government of Punjab, a three-day consultative meeting on Cotton Mission 2025 was organized from February 19-21, 2018 at MNSUAM. On the opening day, all stakeholders including agricultural scientists, researchers, farmers, representatives of seed companies and cotton-based industries agreed upon devising a comprehensive strategy for betterment of cotton, in collaboration with the Government. The meeting identied core issues faced by the crop and considered short- and long-term strategies to solve these problems. Five groups were constituted for Cotton Mission 2025 including cotton production group, cotton protection group, seed marketing, pest harvesting & value addition group and seed technology group. On the second day of the meeting, a consultative session on seed technology was held wherein discussions were made regarding the problems faced by the cotton crop and nding their possible solutions. It was acknowledged that lack of availability of quality and certied seed is the major constraint to the increase in cotton productivity. Prof. Dr. Asif Ali said that the collaborative efforts of the public and private sector can bring the country out of crisis of certied seed shortage. This meeting is a unique opportunity for various stakeholders to interact and discuss ideas for the development of seed sector. It would also provide a platform for experts, scientists and business leaders for discussion and interaction on seed industry and policy as well as seed science and technology, he said. The participants pointed out various bottlenecks and stressed the need to revive and improve seed production and marketing system in order to cope with challenges faced by the country. The stakeholders also agreed to ensure systematic supply of quality seeds to farmers. The third day sessions comprised discussion regarding cotton production and protection. All the groups involved in consultative sessions gave detailed presentations, highlighted various issues and proposed possible solutions. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali said that we are thankful to all stakeholders for their participation in these consultative meetings and taking out their precious time for betterment of farmers and the agriculture industry.

Workshop on

Cotton Mission 2025

MNSUAM Student Participated in

SAP Conference in LondonMs. Iqra Zaheen, a student of fourth semester, B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture at MNSUAM got rst position in the competition held by British Council Pakistan regarding Social Action Plan Project. Afterwards, she represented Pakistan in the International Conference organized by British Council England held in London. Fifteen (15) teams from across the world participated in the conference and Remaining P#3

16-28 February, 2018

shared their social action plans. Ms. Iqra Zaheen's plan was much appreciated. She presented in her project the idea of driving bicycles by girls so that they don't have to wait for transport and could easily approach their school, colleges or universities. As a result, they could save both their money and time. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali appreciated Ms. Iqra Zaheen for her achievement and cherished that it was an honour that a student of MNS University of Agriculture, Multan was selected from all over Pakistan to represent its country at an International Conference.

Page 3

Remaining SAP Conference

Ms. Kinza Nazeer, a student of fourth semester, BS Computer Science at MNSUAM got rst position in English debate competition held at Multan Arts Council, jointly organized by Plans for You Organization and National College of Business Administration and Economics. More than 30 students (male and female) from different institutions including Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Education University, Multan, Women University Multan, NCBA, Multan and others participated in the competition. Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor appreciated Ms. Kinza Nazeer for achieving the rst position and said that the University will provide every support to students who get distinct positions in curricular and co-curricular activities.

MNSUAM Student Got st 1 Position in All Multan English Debate Competition

The MNSUAM organized HEC Intervarsity Volleyball tournament at Multan Sports Ground. The tournament was played on knock out basis. A total of four (4) teams participated in the event including teams of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Superior University, Lahore, Govt. College University, Faisalabad and MNS University of Agriculture, Multan. While addressing the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor said that students should participate in such sport which require physical excursion. This would make them more active and energetic since the modern era has conned youngster to mobile and computer games which is a great cause of obesity and many kinds Remaining P#4

The Higher Education Commission Intervarsity Volleyball Tournament

16-28 February, 2018

Glimpses of Inter-Univerasity Volley Ball Tournament organized by MNSUAM

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of diseases. Sport is equally important for students along with studies, that's why MNSUAM keeps on organizing such sports events frequently. The nal match of the tournament was played on 22nd February, 2018, in which Superior University, Lahore defeated Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.

Remaining The HEC Intervarsity Volleyball Tournament

Hybrid Wheat for Food Security

A f o u r- m e m b e r d e l e g a t i o n o f international scientists: Dr. Jacob Lage, Director, Pre-Breeding KWS UK Ltd., Dr. Nick Bird, Research Scientist, Dr. Chris Tapsell, Global Wheat Breeding Lead-KWS and Prof. Dr. Richard Trethowan from University of Sydney, Australia visited MNSUAM. The purpose of the

visit was to share ideas regarding Hybrid Wheat Project at MNSUAM. This is a combined project involving three collaborative countries: Pakistan, England and Australia. Hybrid Wheat Project is being run in many universities of Pakistan and MNSUAM is one of them. The delegation also met Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali who informed the members about various on-going projects at the University in collaboration with international organizations donor agencies. The delegation also visited University research farms, labs, hydroponic unit, under construction buildings of University and agricultural institutes in the vicinity. The scientists visited the hybrid wheat trials at University farms and appreciated the research efforts. The members of the delegation also visited agriculture farm of a progressive grower, Ch. Kashif Islam in Lodhran.

International Delegation during their visit to MNSUAM

Peace Theatre at MNSUAMThe MNSUAM in collaboration with AllahDin Group of Companies organized one-day Peace Theatre on Feburary 24, 2018. The peace theatre was presided over by Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor and Haji Atta-ur-Rehman, Chairman, AllahDin Group of Companies. The objective of organizing peace theatre was to promote the unity and peace among the students. In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali said that youth can play an important role in the progress of a society and Remaining P#5

16-28 February, 2018

65 percent of our population comprises youngsters who are national assets. He further said that besides academics, we have also included co-curricular activities in our priorities. In terms of capabilities, our students are at par with the students of international universities. The students of MNSUAM have been participating in international events and winning contests which proof that our students have got all the talents. At the end of peace theatre, honorary shields were distributed among the guests and students. A large number of students, faculty members as well as four-member delegation of international scientists attended the event and enjoyed a lot.

Remaining Peace Theatre at MNSUAM

Page 5

Performers and participants of Peace Theater

INAUGURATION OF

SPRING FESTIVAL 2018Spring Festival 2018 with lot of colorful events and academic activities comprising seminars, exhibitions and competitions was inaugurated on 25th February that would continue till 6th March, 2018. During the festival, various activities have been planned that include international seminars and competitions. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali alongwith Mr. Javed Ali Shah (Federal Minster for Water Resources) inaugurated the Spring Festival. Afterwards, the Syed Javed Ali Shah visited the hydroponic unit and appreciated the University initiative for innovative agriculture in this dynamic region. On 25th February, the Depar tment of Agronomy, and Plant Breeding and Genetics organized an International Seminar on Pulses

and Wheat for Food Security. On second day of the festival, the Department of Entomology organized a seminar on Entomology for Better World. The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology planned a national seminar on Software Technology and Agriculture Innovation on 27th February. On fourth day of the festival, i.e. 28th February, a seminar on Smog Pollution, Cause, Effect and its Solutions was organized by the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences.

16-28 February, 2018

CULTURAL NIGHTDuring the Spring Festival 2018, a cultural night was held at MNS University of Agriculture, Multan. The chief guest of the event was Prof. Dr. Asif Ali, Vice Chancellor, whereas the international scientists including Dr. Jacob Lage, Dr. Nick Bird, Dr. Chris Tapsell, Dr. Richard Thawrton and Prof. Dr. Khuda-e-Bargi participated as special guests. The students of MNS University of Agriculture, Multan presented different cultural dances, tabloes, skits and cultural songs. Students wore cultural dress representing all provinces / parts of the country. A special meme on the sensitive topic of scarcity of water was also presented which was much applauded by the audience. A large number of students and faculty members participated in the event.

International Seminar on

for Food Security

Page 6

Students of MNSUAM presenting traditional Balochi dance - Foreign guests and faculty of MNSUAM participating in musical chair on the eve of cultural night

The Department of Agronomy, and Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics of MNSUAM collectively organized an interntional seminar on Pulses and Wheat for Food Security. The stakeholders including academia and researchers together with wheat and chickpea progressive growers participated in this event. International scientists from Australia, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan also participated in the seminar to share their experiences to solve the contemporary issues of pulses and wheat production through recent technological advances. In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (VC, MNSUAM) welcomed the international delegates and participants of the seminar. The speakers included Dr. Jacob Lage (Director, Pre-Breeding KWS UK Ltd.), Dr. Nick Bird (Research Scientist), Dr. Chris Tapsell (Global Wheat Breeding Lead-KWS) and Prof. Dr. Richard Trethowan (University of Sydney, Australia), Dr. Khudayberdi Nazarov (Uzbekistan), Dr. Makhdoom Hussain (Ex. Director Wheat Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad), Dr. Muhammad Raque (Director, Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad), Prof. Dr. Zulqar Ali (Chairman, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, MNSUAM), Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, MNSUAM), Dr. Shahid Riaz Malik (Program Leader Pulses, National Agriculture Research Center, Islamabad), Dr. Khalid Hussain (Director, Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar) and Prof. Dr. Zahir Ahmad Zahir (Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, UAF). Dr. Noor-ul-Islam, Chief Executive, Pakistan Agricultural Research Board (PARB), applauded the efforts of MNSUAM for successfully conducting an international seminar on pulses and wheat in food security. He assured that PARB will continue to support the scientic initiatives of MNSUAM and would continue its collaboration with this University. At the end, a souvenir distribution ceremony was also held.

Pulses and Wheat

16-28 February, 2018

Seminar on Entomology for Better WorldIn continuation of activities under the umbrella of Spring Festival 2018, Department of Entomology of MNSUAM organized a one day seminar on �Entomology for a Better World�. Mr. Asif Majeed (CEO, Evoyl Group) was the chief guest. Seminar covered diverse topics of subject matter to enlighten the audience about benecial role of entomology for a better planet. Prof. Dr. Shafqat Saeed, Dean, FA&ES, MNSUAM talked about biodiversity and ecology of pollinators and their role in crop production. Mr. Habib-ur-Rehman, Regional Technical Manager, Bayer Pakistan Pvt. Ltd, Multan discussed the role of biocontrol agents in organic farming with special emphasis on Pakistan's scenario. Ms. Shaa Saba, Entomologist, Department of Health, Multan highlighted the issue of insects as a vector of human and animal doseases. Dr. Asif Sajjad, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Islamia University, Bahawalpur elaborated the role of insect pollinators in food security. Dr. Munir Ahmad, Associate Professor, Deptt. Of Entomology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi briefed the house about the challenges and prospects of industrial entomology. The presentations of Dr. Muhammad Ishtiaq, Assistant Professor, MNSUAM and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Deptt. of Entomology, UCA, BZU, Multan covered topics like insect for re-creation, and cultural entomology, respectively. To highlight the importance of entomology discipline, a poster competition was also held. The expert panel for poster evalauation comprised of Dr. Haider Karar, Assistant Entomologist, MRI, Multan, Dr. Rabia Saeed, Head of Entomology, CCRI, Multan, Dr. Raq Shahid, Assistant Entomologist, CRI, Multan and Ms. Shabana Wazir, Scientic Ofcer, Entomology Section, CCRI, Multan. Ms. Mahreen Hanif was awarded rst position and a cash prize of PKR 10,000/- for her excellent, informative and well-designed poster. The second and third positions with prizes worth PKR 5000/- and 3000/- was bagged by Muhammad Anees and Mahmood-ul-Hassan, respectively.

Page 7

Speakers and participants of the seminar on Entomology for a Better World

National seminar on Software Technology and Agriculture Innovation

Department of Computer Science and Information Technology of MNSUAM organized national seminar on Technology and Agricultural Innovations on March 27, 2018. To mark the event, a software competition was also held. Distinguished guests included Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (VC, MNSUAM), Mr. Syed Ibn-e-Hussain (Retd. IG Railway Police) and and Mr. Rizwan Asif (Chief Articial Intelligence Ofcer, Mad Hunt, and Codistan). Prof. Dr. Asif Ali said that social media, print media, internet and television can help farmers about weather forecasting, production technologies, decision support and marketing. He urged the need of further renement and ne tuning in technology to disseminate state of the art services to the farming community. Speakers form different organizations stressed on the adoption of information and communication technologies by the farming community which could have huge impact on agriculture production in Pakistan. Mr. Syed Ibn-e-Hussain said that e-agriculture focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes is the future of farming. Mr. Rizwan said that embracing information and communication technologies including devices, networks, mobiles, services and applications can bring a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector of the country as is the case with developed countries of the world. Prof. Dr. Irfan Baig (Dean, Faculty of SS&H, MNSUAM) offered vote of thanks and applauded the efforts of organizers and sponsors. Mr. Irfan Shahzad (Director, Oracle Systems Pakistan) inaugurated the software competition in which Mr. Muhammad Farooq (MNSUAM), Mr. Faraz Yousaf (BZU) and Mr. Muhammad Khalid (IUB) bagged rst, second and third position, respectively.