CABI’s expertise in digital development has been showcased at an international conference in Pakistan entitled ‘Cultivating Wellness: Bridging Agriculture, Food, and Health.’
The event, which took place at Forman Christian College (FCCU) in Lahore and was organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and supported by CABI, WWF, GAIN, and CropLife, included experts from Belarus, China, and Turkey.
Dr Muzammil Farooq led a team from CABI’s centre in Pakistan which highlighted the benefits of CABI’s cutting-edge digital solutions from the PlantwisePlus Toolkit that can revolutionize plant health systems for greater livelihoods and food security.
The PlantwisePlus Toolkit is a collection of digital advisory tools that support the decision making of agricultural advisors, including extension officers and agro-input dealers. With this Toolkit, advisors have access to the latest information on pest distribution, diagnosis, pest management and more.
More sustainable agricultural practices
The team also spoke about digital learning resources from the CABI Academy as well as how the CABI BioProtection Portal – which is the largest open-access global resource for registered biocontrol and biopesticide products and information – and how these can help towards more sustainable agricultural practices.
Additionally, a scientific abstract detailing the impact of these digital tools was included in the conference proceedings, underscoring CABI’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and global knowledge sharing.
Dr Farooq said, “CABI’s digital tools are enhancing the ability of farmers and plant health professionals make informed decisions and improve plant health resilience, especially in the face of climate challenges and crop pests and diseases.
“They are helping to build more sustainable, climate-smart farming practices that protect both people and the environment.”
Dr Muzammil Farooq receives a shield for participation in the conference from Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Director ORIC at FCCU.
The event started with an inspiring inaugural ceremony, with Professor Dr Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab, serving as the Chief Guest, and Ms Florence Rolle, FAO Country Representative in Pakistan, as the Guest of Honour.
Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
In his opening remarks, Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Director ORIC at FCCU, and President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges related to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
The event concluded with an inspiring address by Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, who lauded the conference for fostering innovation, research, and policy dialogue at the intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and public health.
Throughout the three-day conference, 45 oral presentations were delivered by distinguished experts, both national and international. The sessions fostered an exchange of knowledge on ground-breaking research and innovative strategies focused on sustainable farming, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, climate-resilient food systems, and advancements in agricultural biotechnology.
The conference cemented FCCU’s role as a hub for scientific exchange and global collaboration. It also demonstrated CABI’s continued dedication to driving transformative agricultural development, utilizing digital innovations to enhance knowledge accessibility, build resilient food systems, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future in line with both national and global development priorities.
Delegates at the international conference in Pakistan entitled ‘Cultivating Wellness: Bridging Agriculture, Food, and Health.’
Additional information
Main image: The event was organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and supported by CABI, WWF, GAIN, and CropLife, and included experts from Belarus, China, and Turkey.
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