The government is also upgrading some of the institutes especially to promote the latest technology of Tissue Culture and Bio-technology so that we can compete with the advanced countries in agriculture sector, he added.
The agriculture secretary said that special efforts were being made for the modernisation of existing irrigation system, marketing of crops, agricultural research, supply of certified seeds, use of pesticides and food processing in the country.
He said that a comprehensive agricultural policy was also being evolved to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency in food and edible oils.
He said "Degree is a weapon and source of knowledge equipped with which Agri force would be entering the wider world where lie great opportunities and challenges". They can intervene as agents of innovation and invigoration by utilising their strength acquitted through their knowledge and training in the university and make a difference in the life of millions of poor people especially the farmers and serve their country and in the process make a name for them like many of their distinguished predecessors.
He mentioned that Pakistan's economy has undergone considerable diversification over the years, yet the agricultural sector is still the largest sector of the economy. With its present contribution to GDP at 23.3 percent it accounts for 42.1 percent of the total employed labour force and is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings by serving as the base sector for the country's major industries like textile and sugar. It also contributes to growth by providing raw materials as well as being a market for industrial products.
Fayyaz Bashir said that the agriculture is most vital for the health of economy. Punjab government is giving top priority to the promotion of agriculture and maximum public investments are being made in the water management including the improvement of irrigation infrastructure, agricultural marketing, agricultural research, value addition in agriculture by diversification into horticulture and food processing, adoption of modern technology in agriculture, greater mechanisation, improving the availability of essential agricultural inputs like better seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and weedicides etc in sufficient quantity and at reasonable rates.
Vice-chancellor Dr Bashir Ahmed also addressed to the participants and highlighted the major achievements of his institution. He claimed that maximum efforts were being made to provide modern education to students and transfer the techniques and know-how to growers.
The convocation was presided over by Agriculture Secretary Fayyaz Bashir on behalf of Chancellor/Governor Khalid Maqbool. 45 students were awarded the M-Phil degree and 809 others were given the masters degree in different programmes, while 1,671 students received B.Sc (Hons) degrees in agriculture and other related fields. At least 24 students were crowned with gold, silver and bronze medals for achievements in their respective fields of education and research.