News
Dr Iqrar elected head of South Asian research partnership
LANSA chairman reveals over half of South Asian population facing threat of malnutrition; demands enhanced collaborated efforts on part of scientists
APP
FAISALABAD – University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan has been elected as chairman of the Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia (LANSA), an international research partnership working in the region on finding out how agriculture and food systems can be better designed to advance nutrition.
LANSA focuses on policies, interventions and strategies that can improve the nutritional status of children in South Asia. The decision was announced at a consortium meeting of LANSA Advisory Group at the university attended by agriculture, food and nutrition experts from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Prof Dr Iqrar said that over half of the population in South Asia was facing the threat of malnutrition, responsible for many diseases. It demands enhanced collaborated efforts on part of scientists and other stakeholders, he said. Indian scientist Dr MS Swaminathan said the modern agricultural and rural development and dissemination of technology would improve livelihoods of rural communities.
Kandhar University of Afghanistan Vice Chancellor Dr Hakimi said that strengthen the extension system was also vital to educate the farming community about latest agriculture practices. Dr Syedduzzaman from Bangladesh said that three research themes of LANSA were food, value and chains, enabling environment for nutrition and nutrition sensitive agriculture.
Prof Dr Mahendra Dev, Dr Ajay Parida, RV Bhavani, Dr Prakash Shetty, Dr VP Singh from India, Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt, Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Chatha and Dr Asif Ali also spoke on the occasion.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk