Eminent national and international experts have raised serious concerns over the growing challenges of water scarcity, rising soil salinity, climate change, and declining organic matter, warning that these factors pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s agricultural sustainability and food security. These concerns were voiced during the inaugural session of the First International Soil Science Conference, organized by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tando Jam, in collaboration with the Sindh Higher Education Commission. Held under the theme “Soil – Our Silent Lifeline for a Prosperous Future,” the two-day event brought together soil scientists, researchers, and agricultural policy experts from different countries.
In his opening address, SAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted that inefficient water distribution, reduced river flows, unregulated chemical use, and a decline in soil’s natural fertility have left even the most productive regions of Sindh exhausted. Dr. Mazharuddin Keerio, Director General of Agriculture Research Sindh, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that lack of attention to climate impacts and soil health has led to a steep decline in soil productivity. He called for the promotion of advanced cropping technologies, enhancement of organic matter, and adoption of soil improvement measures. Soil scientist and former DG Agriculture Research, Prof. Dr. Qazi Suleman Memon, noted the absence of comprehensive data on soil fertility and salinity levels across the province.
In a significant move to advance international scientific cooperation, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies (IMBB) operating under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish long-term collaboration in agricultural research and biotechnology. The signing ceremony, held at the University’s Senate Hall, and was formally signed by Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor of SAU, and Prof. Dr. Irada Huseynova, Director General of IMBB. National and international experts expressed that the climate change, water scarcity, and the lack of sustainable pest management pose serious threats to agriculture across Pakistan, including the province of Sindh. These concerns were echoed during the 2nd International Conference on Plant Protection Sciences (ICPPS-2025), held at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam. The two-day event concluded with a strong call to promote research on eco-friendly biocontrol agents, nanoparticles, and botanical extracts to address the pressing agricultural challenges faced by the country. A large number of students, experts, and farmers also took part in the sessions and exhibitions. At the conclusion of the conference, shields and awards were presented to the experts, speakers, and participants in recognition of their contributions. In his inaugural address, SAU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted the severe challenges facing Sindh, especially the acute water scarcity exacerbated by the adverse effects of climate change on crops. He pointed out that climate change has led to a more than 35% loss in agricultural production due to pest infestations and disease outbreaks. Furthermore, he raised concerns over Pakistan’s annual import of approximately 37,000 metric tons of agricultural chemicals and pesticides, which poses a growing threat to the environment and agriculture.
A high-level Indonesian delegation, led by Acting Consul General Mr. Teguh Wiwiek and Dr. Ahmad Syofyan, Consul for Economic Affairs, visited Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam to explore avenues for joint research and technical collaboration. The delegation reviewed the progress of the SAU-DALDA Oil Palm Pilot Project experimental plantation at the university’s Latif Experimental Farm and engaged in discussions with SAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal and other senior faculty members. The delegation included Dewanto Priyokusumo, Adi Pranajaya, Renaldi Putra, and Mrs. Barkha Salman from Indonesia’s economic affairs team.
Dr. Siyal made these remarks while addressing a farewell luncheon held in honor of Prof. Dr. Mujahid Hussain Leghari, retired Professor of Horticulture and Chairman of the High Power Farms Committee. The event was hosted by Engineer Riasat Ali Kubar and Muhammad Ashraf Rustmani. The farewell event was attended by a large number of faculty members and senior officials, including Dean Dr. Inayatullah Rajper, Dr. Manzoor Ali Abro, Registrar Ghulam Mohiuddin Qureshi, Dr. Pir Ahmed Naqi Shah, Dr. Fahad Nazir Khoso, and Mr. Suresh Kumar Wadhwani.
Speaking at a ceremony following the Plant Protection Sciences Conference, Dr. Altaf Siyal expressed serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating groundwater situation in various parts of Sindh. On the occasion, Dean of the Faculty of Crop Protection, Dr. Manzoor Ali Abro, and Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli also addressed the gathering. Dr. Imtiaz Ali Nizamani and Muhammad Imran Khatri were present on stage during the ceremony. The event concluded with the presentation of appreciation certificates to the conference organizers, committee members, faculty, and staff for their contributions to the success of the conference.
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