NCAST-23 Conference brings together experts to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security in Pakistan
The Department of Plant Biotechnology at the Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), NUST Islamabad Campus organized a 3-day conference on Agricultural Sciences & Technology (NCAST-23) last week.
The event was inaugurated by DG Projects NUST Major General Dr Saeed-ur-Rehman Sarwar, with Dr Moinuddin Director HR & OD Serena Hotels as the chief guest and keynote speaker. The conference was attended by international keynote speakers from various countries including Turkey, the USA, Australia, The Republic of South Korea, and the Philippines, along with participants from academic and research institutions throughout Pakistan.
The conference included various activities such as oral presentations, poster presentations, and panel discussions. The panel discussion on the topic “NCAST: The Way Forward” was moderated by Mr. Ali Hasnain (Director C3A NUST) and had esteemed panelists such as Dr, Hussnain A. Janjua (Principal ASAB), Dr Yousaf Zafar (Director General of Agri of Biotechnology Division of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission), Dr Ashraf (Prof. at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule), Dr Ghulam Ali (Campus Director Air University), and Dr. Abdul Waheed (Associate Professor NICE). The panel highlighted the significance of Agriculture Sciences and Technology in sustaining resources and improving food security in Pakistan.
The conference focused on three themes: Agriculture Technologies, Agriculture Biotechnologies, and Agribusiness Management. Over 55 participants shared their research findings and insights with the conference audience via oral presentations, posters, and panel discussions. The speakers hailed from various academic institutions such as BUITEMS, Ghazi University, Mian Nawaz Sharif Agriculture University, Arid Agriculture University, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, BZU, University of Wah, NUST, and COMSATS, as well as research institutions such as National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Agriculture Research Station Chakwal, and Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB).
The conference participants were also given a city tour of Islamabad and the National Science & Technology Park. The event was sponsored by prestigious organizations such as the HEC Pakistan, and Pakistan Science Foundation and industrial partners such as Four Brothers Group., Excel Labs, Microbiological Associates (PMA), Worldwide Scientific (WWS), and Artistic Milliners.
The NCAST-23 conference was a significant step towards promoting Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Pakistan, with an emphasis on sustaining resources and improving food security. The event was a great platform for researchers and experts to share their insights and collaborate towards developing innovative solutions for the agriculture sector.