Farmer Field Day on Effective Use of Saline Water in Vegetable Cultivation
The Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, MNSUAM organized a Farmer Field Day on the topic “Effective Use of Saline Water for Vegetable Cultivation” on March 2, 2025. The event was held under the project PARB 20-70, “Technology-enabled food self-sufficiency, climate change adaptation, and outreach to stakeholders in the context of salt-affected agriculture,” funded by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board.
The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, agricultural experts, researchers, farmers, and agricultural input providers. Professor Dr. Tanveer-ul-Haq, Chairman of the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, delivered a comprehensive overview and thanked the organizers and participants. The discussion focused on the challenges of soil salinity and the effective use of saline water for irrigation. The talk highlighted the various Salinity Issues in Pakistan like unplanned irrigation practices and lack of drainage have contributed to soil salinity, seepage from canals and water distribution networks, as well as excessive use of saline water for irrigation, have also increased salinity levels and high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in irrigation water have led to soil salinity, as the salts remain in the soil after evaporation.
The session facilitated the attendees with numerous strategies for Managing Salinity like two approaches can be adopted to manage salinity: removing salts from the soil or growing crops that can tolerate salinity. The project has been working on researching and developing strategies for effective use of saline water for irrigation. Dr. Wazir Ahmed emphasized that using saline water for agriculture can be an opportunity for farmers, landowners, and the government. If managed properly, it can become a viable means of crop production, especially in areas with limited access to fresh water. The event included a technical review of using saline water for irrigation, its impact on soil health and crops, and potential remedial measures. Participants visited the project site and were distributed packets of vegetable seeds. The event concluded with the distribution of summer vegetable seeds to farmers. The event was attended by Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, Director Farms, Mr. Asif Nawaz, Additional Treasurer, Dr. Alamgir, Mr. Muhammad Kashif, Assistant Director Extension, Dr. Usman Jamshaid, Agriculture Officer and over 70 farmers, along with students.
Eddy Covariance Flex Tower Inaugurated at MNSUAM Jalalpur Pirwala Campus
The MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, inaugurated the Eddy Covariance Flex Tower at its Jalalpur Pirwala campus, marking a significant step in climate change research and sustainable agriculture. The inauguration was led by Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Vice Chancellor, along with deans, directors, faculty members, and administration staff.
Dr. Muhammad Saifullah briefed the participants on the tower’s role in measuring carbon flux, evapotranspiration, and other environmental parameters critical for climate-smart agriculture. The project, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Green Climate Fund (GCF), aims to improve water resource management and strengthen resilience to climate change. The efforts of Dr. Saifullah and his team were widely appreciated, reaffirming MNSUAM’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability.
MNSUAM’S Collaboration with Australian Institutions to Enhance Agricultural Water Productivity
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan and consortium of Australian Universities led by University of South Australia agreed to work for an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded research for development project to improve water management in agriculture on January 31, 2025. The collaboration aims to develop sustainable solutions for optimizing water use and addressing the challenges of water scarcity and climate change in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Led by Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmed Baig, the project will focus on maximizing water efficiency in key crop production systems. A high-level meeting was held at MNSUAM to finalize the project proposal, attended by Dr. Neil Lazarow (Program Manager- Water) and Dr. Munawar Raza Kazmi (Country Manager, ACIAR), along with senior faculty members and researchers from MNSUAM, including Prof. Dr. Mubashir Mehdi, Prof. Dr. Junaid Ali Khan, Dr. Alamgir Akhtar Khan, Dr. Tanveer-ul-Haq, Dr. Nazar Fareed, and Dr. Khurram Mubeen. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed Rajwana Vice Chancellor MNSUAM outlined the institution’s achievements in agricultural innovation and highlighted the role of international collaboration in improving Pakistan’s water productivity. The Australian delegation expressed confidence in the project’s potential to enhance water-efficient farming and strengthen research partnerships. This initiative is expected to benefit farmers by improving crop yields, conserving water resources, and promoting climate resilience. It will also facilitate joint research, student exchange programs, and technology transfer between MNSUAM and its Australian counterparts.
Study Tour to Mithawan Hill Torrent Command Areas, DG Khan
Students of the 7th semester Agronomy, enrolled in the course “Spate Irrigated Agriculture”, participated in a study tour to Mithawan Hill Torrent Command Areas, DG Khan, on October 13, 2024, under the supervision of Dr. Khuram Mubeen (Associate Professor, Agronomy Department, MNSUAM).
During the visit, students observed spate irrigation systems, including field structures, water diversion channels, and storage dikes used to grow crops such as sorghum (dominant in the region) and cotton, cultivated through solar-powered tube wells.
The students also carried out practical exercises on soil infiltration measurement using a ring infiltrometer, linking classroom knowledge with field applications.
An interactive session with local farmers provided insights into their challenges with hill torrent management, irrigation practices, and water distribution systems. Students conducted structured interviews with farmers to understand their problems and potential solutions. In addition, mosquito nets were distributed among farmers and their families to prevent Dengue and Malaria, supported through funding by Meta Meta Netherlands. This study tour successfully enhanced students’ practical exposure, problem-solving abilities, and interaction with farming communities, enriching their understanding of spate irrigated agriculture.