
Training programme launched to address climate challenges
In a major step towards climate-resilient agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, has launched a comprehensive training programme for agricultural experts of the varsity and provincial and federal agricultural research institutions.
The initiative aims to equip professionals with the skills required to utilise climate data and modern technology in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
As part of the programme, Dr Michiaki Sugita, Meritorious Professor University of Tsukuba, Japan and an evapotranspiration expert with the FAO, visited the SAU. Sugita inspected the advanced Flux Tower installed at the university's Latif Experimental Farm. The tower captures detailed atmospheric and environmental data, playing a critical role in supporting climate-resilient agricultural research. Sugita was briefed on the tower's data acquisition capabilities, storage systems and ongoing applications in research. He also met with SAU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss the importance of utilising real-time environmental data for academic research, student training and knowledge transfer to farmers.
Siyal noted that Sindh was among the regions most vulnerable to climate change globally and stressed the urgency of adopting science-based agricultural strategies.

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Business Recorder
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- Business Recorder
Climate-resilient agriculture: SAU, FAO agree to expand collaboration
HYDERABAD: In a concerted effort to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water use in Sindh, the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have agreed to deepen their cooperation on joint initiatives. The agreement was reached during a high-level review meeting held at FAO's provincial office in Tandojam on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor of SAU, and Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan. Also present were Dr. Julius Muchemi, Head of FAO Sindh Office; Ms. Emelda Berejena, Project Manager of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported initiative; Ms. Amna Bajwa, Programme Head; along with other technical experts. Participants reviewed the progress of several collaborative projects between SAU and FAO, particularly in climate-vulnerable districts such as Umerkot, Sanghar, and Badin. These joint efforts aim to promote adaptive farming practices through improved irrigation efficiency, short-duration crops, intercropping, seed development, and agricultural marketing. Highlighting the university's contributions, Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal noted that SAU experts are working directly with farmers to pilot innovative techniques and conduct field-based training. He added that the university's FLUX Tower is actively recording meteorological data to support crop planning and early warning systems. Additionally, SAU's communication team is conducting outreach and awareness programs, while university graduates working with FAO are contributing to food security initiatives in the field. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Florence Rolle emphasized that with the support of the Green Climate Fund, FAO has initiated the installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across Sindh to strengthen data-driven agricultural decision-making. 'Our goal is to ensure that these tools enhance local planning and pave the way for sustainable development,' she stated. Dr. Julius Muchemi shared that nine AWS units are currently being installed in Sanghar, Badin, and Umerkot. These stations will continuously monitor key agro-meteorological parameters, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, soil temperature, and electrical conductivity. Ms. Emelda Berejena further elaborated on the broader institutional platform being developed through FAO's collaboration with SAU, research centres, and agricultural extension departments. 'This integrated framework is bridging science, technology, and farming communities to build long-term climate resilience,' she said. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance institutional engagement, strengthen climate-smart agriculture, and scale up collaborative research and planning efforts across Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
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Postgraduate admission test held at SAU
HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, successfully conducted entry tests for admission to its postgraduate degree programmes, with a total of 444 candidates appearing. According to the university spokesperson, 413 candidates applied for master's degree programmes, while 31 candidates sat for the PhD entrance test. Faculty of Social Sciences received 91 master's and 7 PhD candidates; Faculty of Crop Protection, 52 master's and 8 PhD candidates; Faculty of Crop Production, 157 master's and 8 PhD candidates; Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, 94 MPhil and 8 PhD candidates; and Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology had 19 master's (ME) candidates. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Training programme launched to address climate challenges
Listen to article In a major step towards climate-resilient agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, has launched a comprehensive training programme for agricultural experts of the varsity and provincial and federal agricultural research institutions. The initiative aims to equip professionals with the skills required to utilise climate data and modern technology in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. As part of the programme, Dr Michiaki Sugita, Meritorious Professor University of Tsukuba, Japan and an evapotranspiration expert with the FAO, visited the SAU. Sugita inspected the advanced Flux Tower installed at the university's Latif Experimental Farm. The tower captures detailed atmospheric and environmental data, playing a critical role in supporting climate-resilient agricultural research. Sugita was briefed on the tower's data acquisition capabilities, storage systems and ongoing applications in research. He also met with SAU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss the importance of utilising real-time environmental data for academic research, student training and knowledge transfer to farmers. Siyal noted that Sindh was among the regions most vulnerable to climate change globally and stressed the urgency of adopting science-based agricultural strategies.