UAF, HBL To Enhance Collaboration For Agricultural Development
University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) will strengthen their collaboration for the promotion of agriculture, farmer training, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
This understanding was reached during a meeting between UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali and a delegation of HBL officials including Omer Nazir Waraich, General Manager (SME & Agri), Sarfraz Hussain, General Manager (Agri Sales), and Shehlaly Javed Khan, Head of HR Relationship Management Central. The discussion took place at the university.
Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali stated that universities and financial institutions must work together to address challenges in agriculture and provide farmers with access to modern technologies, knowledge, and financial services. He expressed UAF’s readiness to support HBL in developing programs for capacity-building among farmers, promoting innovative agricultural practices, and facilitating technology transfer.
According to him, stronger university-industry partnerships can boost farm productivity, reduce costs, and promote sustainable agriculture. "UAF will offer its expertise and research support for initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural value chain," he added.
Omer Nazir Waraich, General Manager (SME & Agri) at HBL, expressed the bank’s eagerness to expand its collaboration with UAF to assist the farming community through training, awareness campaigns, financial solutions, and technology-focused initiatives. He believes this partnership will enable HBL to better comprehend farmers’ needs and develop practical measures for agricultural growth.
Both parties agreed to explore collaborative ventures focusing on:
- Farmer training
- Agri-financing awareness
- Technology transfer
- Entrepreneurship
- Sustainable agricultural practices
