Three-day international conference on mountain agriculture ends at Agriculture University Swat

SWAT: The three-day second international conference on climate-resilient mountain agriculture ended at the Agriculture University Swat on 15 October. About 350 people took part online and in person. They included local and foreign experts, researchers, teachers, students, farmers, policymakers and representatives of development organisations. In all, 107 research abstracts were received.

Held from 13 to 15 October, the conference aimed to review the challenges that climate change poses to agriculture in mountain areas. It also aimed to find modern research-based solutions for sustainable agricultural development.

Opening addresses

Vice Chancellor of the Agriculture University Swat Prof Dr Dad Jan stressed the importance of scientific research in his opening address. Conference organiser Prof Dr Muhammad Jamal Khan spoke about the aims and objectives of the programme and about research cooperation for the development of mountain agriculture.

Malakand Division Commissioner Iqbal Hussain, the chief guest, stressed the need for research-based practical measures to deal with the effects of climate change. He assured administrative and institutional support to make the Agriculture University Swat a centre for solution-oriented research.

Experts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, China, Türkiye, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates also took part. Representatives of various national and international organisations attended as well. They included the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

During the three days of academic activities, research papers were presented. Participants discussed climate-resilient farming practices, soil fertility, soil and plant health, sustainable crop production, water resource management and ways to strengthen mountain farming systems.

Commissioner Iqbal Hussain also gave an online presentation. It highlighted the problems caused by floods, water resource management and the importance of improving the ability to cope with climate risks.

Closing ceremony

Additional Deputy Commissioner Upper Swat Muhammad Amir Khan, Majeedullah and other distinguished guests attended the closing ceremony. Prof Dr Muhammad Jamal Khan presented a report on the conference’s activities and achievements. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Dad Jan thanked the participants, organisers and supporting institutions. He stressed the need to further strengthen joint research and institutional partnerships.

At the end of the ceremony, commemorative shields and certificates were distributed among those who played a prominent role.

According to the organisers, the gathering aims to turn research into practical action. It seeks to promote cooperation to improve farm output in mountain areas, protect natural resources and strengthen local communities’ ability to withstand climate change.