288 research papers were presented by experts from 17 countries at 2-day International Conference on Plant Protection at Sindh Agriculture University.
Tando Jam
The experts at first 2-day International Conference on Plant Protection, have suggested the government to formulate plant protection policy as the risk of new infectious diseases in the country is increasing due to non-testing and quarantine of imported plants, seeds, and agricultural products from different countries.
The conference, which concluded on Wednesday, was organized by the Faculty of Crop Protection, Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam. During the conference, 288 research papers were presented by experts from 17 countries.
Experts termed unnecessary use of pesticides as the main cause of various diseases including skin, stomach, eyesight, and respiratory problems in men, women, and children of Sindh and Pakistan. They also cause cancer in rural women.
Addressing the closing ceremony at the Main Auditorium Hall, Dr. Fateh Marri, Vice Chancellor, Sindh Agricultural University, said that the use of pesticides and climate change posed various threats to the health of plants, animals, humans, and the environment. He said that if plants are healthy then nature will be healthy. Therefore, agriculture must be made nature-friendly, and biological control must be expanded to protect society.
Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro, former chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation and a well-known scientist, said that more research is needed on climate change and funds are available in this regard. He said that more responsibilities have been imposed on agricultural experts than in the past.
The host of the conference and Dean Faculty of Crop Protection, Dr. Jan Muhammad Marri said that about 600 experts, teachers, students, and various institutions from 17 countries participated in the conference.
Dr. Abdullah Arijo, Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli and others also addressed.
Dr. Asadullah Shah from Malaysia, Dr. Hisham Naseer-ud-Din from Sudan, a large number of teachers and students participated, while the distinguished guests, keynote speakers and the committee members were given shields and certificates. (PR)
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