The Centre of Excellence (CoE) and the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), in collaboration with GIZ German Cooperation and the European Union, successfully organized a two-day International Seminar on “Transforming Agriculture into Sustainable Agribusiness.”
The seminar was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik Tareen, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Illahi Bakhsh Marghazani, Registrar Dr. Balach Rasheed, Director ORIC Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed Baloch, deans of various faculties, researchers, faculty members, and students.
Addressing the seminar, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik Tareen, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Illahi Bakhsh Marghazani, and Director ORIC Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed Baloch highlighted the importance of sustainable agricultural development, innovation, and research-driven growth.
International experts including Hanno Friedemann Knoaup (International Promotion Expert), Prof. Dr. Wen Wu from Ocean University, China, Prof. Dr. Mir Dost from the University of Winchester, United Kingdom, Dr. Ehtisham Raza, Chief Executive Officer of Salar Protein Farms, Muhammad Bais, Employment Promotion Expert, and Dr. Hussain Bakhsh Magsi, Director General NAVTTC, participated through video link and shared their expertise with participants.
Speakers noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and a primary source of livelihood for rural communities. They stressed that challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, rising production costs, and limited market access require innovative and sustainable agribusiness solutions.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik Tareen stated that universities play a critical role not only in teaching and learning but also in research, innovation, commercialization, and industry engagement. He highlighted LUAWMS’ commitment to advancing agricultural research, supporting farmers, promoting innovation, and contributing to sustainable development.
The speakers further emphasized the importance of modern agricultural technologies, value addition, agro-processing, effective marketing strategies, and international collaboration. They observed that these measures can significantly increase farmers’ incomes while strengthening the national economy.
The need to encourage youth participation in agriculture and agribusiness industries was also highlighted. Experts shared valuable insights on agricultural research, food security, climate change impacts, sustainable farming practices, and agribusiness development.
Participants described the seminar as an important platform for exchanging knowledge, research findings, and practical experiences that can contribute to the advancement of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
At the conclusion of the seminar, speakers and participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively towards transforming agriculture into a sustainable and profitable agribusiness sector. They emphasized that such efforts are vital for achieving food security, economic stability, and rural development in Pakistan.