RAWALAKOT (AJK): Experts have called for legislation to make it binding for multinational companies to use locally grown agriculture produce in their projects.
Agriculture scientists, field experts and members of academia in a joint declaration issued on the conclusion of a three-day science conference asked the government to enact laws banning the use of imported agriculture products by multinational companies.
Titled “Sustainable Agriculture and Changing Climate’’ the moot was organized by University of Poonch, situated in the beautiful city of Rawalakot in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Scientists from some other countries including Turkey, Nigeria also participated in the event. They believed that besides other measures to develop horticulture on modern lines, there is a need to enactment new laws to promote locally grown fruits, especially in the hilly areas.
Experts believe picturesque valleys of AJK are best for horticulture and its mountainous areas should be reserved for wildlife.
Sardar Masood Khan, President of AJK in his speech at the inaugural session said science and technology have brought a revolution in the world. He said there has always been a need to for further research and utilize the latest science technology for the betterment of humanity.
Dr. Masoom Yaseenzai- the rector International Islamic University, Dr. Rasool Jan- the vice-chancellor University of Poonch, Dr. Abdul Hameed- dean faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Shafqat Farooq-a former director of Atomic Energy Pakistan, Dr. Abdul Mahmood -director agriculture Punjab, Turk scientist Dr. Meetahat Dareek, Nigerian scientist Dr. Baba Jecasco many local scientists and agricultural experts spoke on the last day.
Scientists presented their research papers during technical sessions. Climate Change Center presented its short film on the impacts of climate changes on the area.
Scientists said with little focus on horticulture AJK can easily turn into the fruit and vegetable hub of the region. To achieve this, there is a need to create close coordination between universities and the agriculture department.
Agriculture experts warned that wild weed Parthenium is affecting Pakistan’s agriculture, human and animal health. They called for emergency measures to check its spread.
According to CABI a non-government international organization that is working problems in agriculture and the environment, Parthenium hysterophorus a native weed to southern USA, Mexico, and Central and South America.
It has been accidentally introduced into several countries and has become a serious agricultural and rangeland weed. The weed disrupts the ecology of grasslands, and invades woodlands through aggressive competition and inhibiting growth of other plants. It also poses serious health hazards to livestock and can cause severe allergenic reactions in humans.
It has been named the suicide weed in India, and up to 90 percent of the farmers in the lowlands of Ethiopia consider this weed to be the most serious weed of croplands and grazing areas. Parthenium is also a secondary host for a range of crop pests.
Parthenium weed was introduced into Pakistan in the 1980s and is spreading rapidly from the Gujarat district of Punjab Province, where it was first reported. It is rapidly spreading in adjoining districts and Punjab and AJK including Mirpur.
