A Three-Day International Conference on Climate Change and Traditional Agriculture Pattern in Pakistan: Implications & Solutions organized by the Department of Geography, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur in collaboration with Sindh Higher Education Commission, Karachi, Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited and Roots for Equity inaugurated. Mr. Nawab Ali Wassan, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh and Incharge Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Housing Cell, Govt. of Sindh was chief guest on this occasion while, Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur presided the inaugural session of the conference. Prof. Dr. Marco Mandela from Spain, Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari, Vice Chancellor Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Prof. Dr. Syed Madad Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor, Benezir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology & Skills Development, Khairpur, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Vice Chancellor, The Shaikh Ayaz University, Shikarpur and Dr. Riaz Ahmed, Director General Metrological Department, Islamabad were guests of honor.
Mr. Nawab Ali Wassan said that it is a matter of high pride for me that Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur is organizing this conference on very important theme related with the climate change. I am extremely thankful to Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed for inviting me to grace the conference. He said it is the need of the time to concentrate on quality education, I am happy to know that Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto is striving for uplifting the University in right direction. Mr. Wassan said that in the wake of COVID-19, the agriculture sector was not affected but it got significant position. We must cultivate high yield producing crop on modern lines so that food security could be availed. He said that we are earning the revenue from date product approximately Rs. 55 Million. He stressed the need to adopt the modern techniques in the agriculture sector. He advised students to work hard and respect their teachers for accomplishment of their careers. .
Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto shed light on the significance of the conference and apprised the audience about the academic development and drastic measures taken to maintain transparency, merit and excellence. He said that despite financial crisis, we are disbursing salaries and pensions to the staff timely since we have curtailed the expenditure and covered Rs. 126 Million of deficit with the help of all stakeholders. Dr. Khalil Ibupoto said that The Climate change is a global phenomenon which has adversely affected the world community. It is process of changes in the frequency and intensity of precipitation, heat waves, and other extreme occurrences which impact on agricultural yield. However, compounded climate factors can decrease agriculture productivity, as result; it creates in price increases for many important agricultural crops, commodities and verities. The Vice Chancellor also welcomed the foreign and national delegates and Vice Chancellors who participated in the deliberation.
Prof. Dr. Ishfaque Ahmed from Turkey setout keynote speech on climate change and agriculture in Turkey. He said industrial revolution has increased global warming as result, temperature increased. The glaciers are malting day by day. Sea level rises and also affected on agriculture production. It has also produced negative impact on sustainability and yield. He said Turkey is highly venerable on climate change as far as water availability and food related issues are concerned.
Prof. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari, Prof. Dr. Syed Madad Ali Shah, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti and Dr. Riaz Ahmed also spoke on this occasion. They said that water management, new seed varieties and to mitigate the drought like situations may be controlled. They stressed that the proper use of water resources are very essential. The climate change is not new phenomenon but it has long history since old civilization and it remained part of human history. They said that the date of the record of temperature is also valuable. Climate change is producing multiple hazards and agriculture sector is adversely affected including live stock so the experts may concentrate on its mitigation and device effective strategies.
Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Hussain Mahar, Dean Faculty of Physical Sciences accorded special thanks to the distinguished guests and participants. He said this conference will pave the way to formulate the strategy to cope with the effects of climate change because agriculture sector is lifeline of Pakistan.
Earlier, Dr. Noor Hassan Chandio, Chairman, Department of Geography delivered welcome address. He cordially welcomed the foreign and national delegates, sponsors, distinguished guests and also appreciated the patronage of Vice Chancellor for organizing this international moot.
Mr. Hassan Shaikh and Ms. Paras Niaz Khaskheli conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session.
