AVN Report
FAISALABAD: Punjab government has launched Honahar Scholarship Program, that will provide financial assistance to 30,000 students in the province from 50 public universities, medical colleges, graduation institutions, as well as private institutions like COMSATS, the National University of Science and Technology, and FAST.
Higher Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the country’s first food and agriculture museum at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF).
He also presided over an international seminar discussing the role of Lyallpur Agricultural College in transforming agriculture across the subcontinent.
He further revealed plans to launch a new laptop scheme in December for 40,000 students to support research and modern technological advancements.
Additionally, new academic programmes, including agriculture, nursing, architecture, and arts and design, will be introduced at the matriculation level this year, he announced.
Lauding the UAF for its modern agricultural practices over the last 15 years, he also announced the introduction of skill courses in schools, urging the community to work hard and uphold honesty for future development.
UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the university is converting its historic campus into a museum to showcase the evolution of agriculture and recent technological advancements. Established in 1906 as the Punjab Agricultural College and Lyallpur Research Institute, the institution played a pivotal role in the green revolution and agricultural innovation, he said.
Dr. Khan said the university’s founding was based on recommendations by the British Famine Commission at the end of the 19th century to address famine and food security issues.
He said UAF has introduced over 50 new agricultural product varieties in the past two years, with approximately 35,000 students currently enrolled in 170 degree programmes.
Engineer Mushtaq Ahmad Gill advocated for reviving the Lyallpur model to unify academia, research, and extension services under one umbrella. Dr. Abid Suleri stressed the need for collaborative efforts to tackle agricultural challenges, while Dr. Andreas Buerkert from Germany praised the role of Lyallpur College in combating poverty and hunger. Dr. Rafa Muzmal, Dr. KN Ganeshaiah, Mian Shaukat Ali, Dr. Asif Kamran and Sadia Zainab also spoke.
