Agriculture in Pakistan is significantly affected by short-term climate variability and longer-term climate change. Periods of severe droughts, followed by devastating floods are common in the country and have contributed to low crop yields, loss of livestock, damage to irrigation infrastructure and food shortages. According to the Climate change Index, droughts will increase in winter affecting the yield of cash harvests. Meanwhile, increase in precipitation in the summer season may cause floods throughout different areas of Pakistan.
In this regard, KAM-School of Life Sciences in collaboration with ORIC organized this International Conference at Forman Christian College University Lahore on 6th – 9th February 2023. In the inaugural session President Economic Cooperation Organization- Science Foundation, Prof. Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi was the Chief Guest. He emphasized on the importance of Mitigation and adaptation technologies in Pakistan for Climate Change. Mr. Rafay Alam, a prominent environmental lawyer talked about the climate crisis and its impacts on our future. Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Executive Director MABIC discussed science communication as an approach for effective climate action during the inaugural session. This international conference is supported by CropLife Asia, CABI, Pakistan Science Foundation, Babar Ali Foundation, FAO, WWF Pakistan, COMSTECH, HEC, Four Brothers Group and ECO Science Foundation. Their representatives also gave remarks at the ceremony. Dr. Jonathan Addleton- Rector FCCU welcomed the participants and appreciated Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik- Director ORIC and Dr. Samina Mehnaz- Chairperson KAM-SLS for successfully organizing this conference.
Around 100 participants from across the country affiliated with different academic, research and corporate organizations registered for the conference. 11 International Speakers from Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, U.K., Iran, U.S. A., Germany, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi participated in person whereas few joined virtually. Renowned names like Dr. Yusuf Zafar, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Dr. Shahid Mansoor, Dr. Waheed Akhtar and Dr. Tayyab Hussnain also participated. In four days around 52 presentations were made and junior scientists along with postgraduate research students were given a chance to present their work with posters.
Conservation Agriculture, Water Conservation, Stress tolerance, Bio-fortification, Livestock, Plant and Microbial Interactions, Disease Resistance, Low-cost production and e-agriculture are the themes along with panel discussion on Policy and governance for Mitigation for Climate change.
