PARB encourages scientists’ inputs in global agri events

Most of the scientists cannot participate in international conferences/seminars/workshops due to lack of funds. Our weak R&D system cannot afford the cost of such international events. Aim of every scientist is to reach there, present his/her research paper, build collaboration and to get motivation from the work going on at international level. Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) has taken a leading step in this regard and is releasing funds as travel grant to agri scientists. In this way they can participate in International events, represent Pakistan and gain experience to learn innovative things. This initiative proves to be very successful in building strong linkages with International stakeholders. In future, such collaborations can provide platform for strengthening research and to introduce innovations. PARB is trying to fund travel grant to as many scientists as it can, within its capacity in future. During about last two month, following scientists have participated in International events: 2nd International Congress of Food Hygiene Venue: Al-Razi Conference Hall, Tehran Medical University, Iran Theme of the Conference: Global Efforts for Food Safety Topics of the Conference: · Food Microbiology · Food Chemistry, Toxicology Contaminants · Additives and Preservatives · Water Safety · Epidemiology of Food-borne infections & Intoxications · The role of probiotics in Hygiene and Nutrition · Organic Foods · Safety of Food Chain · Food Control Systems · The role of Veterinary Medicine in Food Safety · Food Name of the Scientists: Three scientists were provided grant from PARB to attend this International Congress a). Dr. Aqeel Javeed, Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, UVAS Lahore. Dr. Aqeel Javeed presented his research paper on “Polarity Based Solvents Extraction of Opuntia Dilleni and Zingiber of Ficinale for In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activities”. b): Dr. Muti-Ur-Rehman Assistant Professor UVAS, Lahore. He presented his research paper on “Food Borne disease (Salmonellosis) as a Public Health Problem through consuming the Meat & Egg of Catrrier’s Birds”. c). Dr. Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, UVAS Lahore. He presented his research paper on “Microbiological quality of different snack foods in Urban areas of Pakistan”. Summarizing scientist’s views: The theme of World Veterinary year was the basic objective of the of the Congress, i.e “ Vet for health, Vet for Food, Vet for planet”. The congress gives a good opportunity to have a close interaction with global scientist, involved in food hygiene and safety and to discuss the latest research on that issue. The keynote speakers given important message of not using antibiotics for production purpose and especially medically important antimicrobial drugs usage is against the public health interests. While giving suggestions based on the lessons learnt to improve research in Pakistan, Dr. Mati Ur Rehman said that “level of research in our country is not as high as at abroad. This congress has identified new areas of research which will be utilized to conduct the thesis work of post-graduate students”. He also said that many professors have given chance to their students for presentation; it’s a healthy sign for getting experience and exposure at student level. He suggested establishing collaboration between local and international research centers to improve research skills and standards. Dr. Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq said that participation in such conferences is a source of global interaction for scientists. He said, “During my visit to college of Veterinary Medicine at Tehran University, Iran, I discussed with them about the research areas of their interest and also briefed them about research projects of our University”. He also commented that Pakistani Universities have not appropriate facilities for R & D and should establish collaborations on urgent basis. He suggested that Pilot testing should be done before any study in order to validate the study design, statistical analysis and techniques. He requested PARB to facilitate scientists and students to attend training programmes in the field of research. He appreciated PARB efforts for facilitating scientists to attend international conferences/seminars. “World Aquaculture for Changing World” Venue: Natal Convention Center, Natal, Brazil Theme of the Conference: Aquaculture for a Changing World · Salient features of the Conference according to scientist: This international conference was jointly hosted by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), WAS-Latin American & Caribben Chapter and Association Criadores de Camaroes, in conjunction with Feira International de Aquaculture and Fenacam · The conference assembles world Aquaculture community with the basic aim of Aquaculture for changing world, where different aspects of aquaculture was discussed in several technical sessions. · There were more than 50 scientific sessions focusing on innovative aquaculture systems and management · Topics include economics, sustainability, engineering, reproduction, health, nutrition, genetics, microalgae · A total of 1250 papers were accepted for oral presentations resulted in wide range of sessions. Over 900 posters and 300 exhibitions in trade show demonstrated the latest and greatest innovations and products for aquaculture · International shrimp farming symposium covered main topics of the world shrimp farming industry with a great variety of subjects jointly organized by FENACAM’11 and WAS · The conference provide us an excellent forum to interact with world most famous aquaculture scientists, industry people, suppliers and other stakeholders involved in finfish and shell fish aquaculture with latest techniques and equipments · Aquaculture is the fastest growing food industry worldwide. It is the need of the time to manage our culture system environment friendly and sustainable to cater the world increasing population. Aquaculture is more close to agriculture than any other farming practices and integration with agriculture is very important for future sustainability of two systems. · An excellent forum for presenting my research work and introducing my department, University and country in this mega event · The conference was very fruitful and productive to my academic and research career · I have develop linkages with scientists of Turkey, USA, World Fish Centre (Malaysia), India, Thailand, who shows their willingness for developing joint research collaboration in future. Names of the Scientist: Dr. Noor Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore. He presented his research paper on “Comparative Growth Performance and Body Composition of Indian Major CARPS (Catla Catla, Cirrhinus Mrigala and Labeo Rohita) Fingerlings when fed an Artificial Feed Under Monoculture Production”. His recommendations to improve research in Pakistan are as follows: · We should plan our research as per international level. At present due to lack of facilities and non- cooperation among different institutions, quality of research is not so much productive · Problem oriented research should be conducted with the cooperation of industry and international collaborations · We should replace the traditional research into new lines with latest techniques and brings new species and culture techniques into our system · Like other countries our post-graduate students should be given a chance to present their research in such conferences. This will definitely improve their skills of presenting data and research capabilities. · It gives me motivations to organize a Pakistan Fisheries and Aquaculture Society and affiliated it with WAS for organizing conferences, workshops on fisheries and aquaculture for further enhancement of this sector in Pakistan. Postharvest Unlimited Venue of the Conference: Leavenworth, Washington, USA Theme of the Conference: The main theme was to highlight new scientific and technological research for development and encourage interaction among various postharvest disciplines and industry participants Name of the Scientist: Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Professor/Chairman Department of Horticulture PMAS Arid Agriculture University Murree Road, Rawalpindi. He presented his paper on “Foliar spray of ethanol affected fruit growth, yield and postharvest performance of “Sahil” tomato”. Salient Features of the Conference according to scientist: · Postharvest storage and distribution · Experimental and applied Postharvest physiology · Postharvest quality assessment · Understanding storage stress and its implications · The future: Beyond Systems’ Suggestions and recommendations based on the lessons learnt to improve research in Pakistan · Processing, grading packing and transportation of fruits must be of international standard. Advanced techniques should be adopted to maintain quality and food safety until it reaches the consumer · Edible grade chemicals must be introduced along with newly introduced more effective methods like use of 1-MCP · Special facilities must be developed for transportation at airports and shipping places like cold storage CA etc · The standards for handling during harvest, processing, packing and storage must be developed for different varieties according to the environmental conditions, the fruit was produced · Research in Pakistan should have a focus in the area of postharvest of perishable commodities. After that, technologies should be developed on the basis of successful results of the research that can be used by the horticulture industry. Source: http://www.pakissan.com/english/allabout/livestock/prab.encourages.scientists.inputs.in.global.agri.events.shtml