| Sheesham Die-back: Sheesham is an important plant of economic importance. Its wood is hard and is best suited for furniture. Sheesham die-back problem has increased in Pakistan for the last 20-25 years. Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology has been established and a research group has been assigned the task to develop an extensive research plan on Sheesham die-back to investigate the die-back and take remedial measure to save the tree.
Characterization and Overexpression of Growth Hormones
This project is being undertaken under the HEC-funded project. “Characterization and Applications of Bioregulators of Economic Importance”.
Livestock production is an integral part of Pakistan’s agricultural system and plays a pivotal role in its economy by providing principle sources for essential items of human diet in the form of milk, meat, etc. Only 10% increase in milk production by GH applications shall amount to addition of over 2.5 million tons, contributing an additional over Rs. 40 billion annually to the national economy.
PU Honey Bee Project: The European bee Apis mellifera honeybee farm comprising 200 colonies has been established for research, training and teaching purpose. The colonies are presently foraging Citrus plants at Bar Musa near Mandi Bhauddin for honey and honeybee queen production. In 2004, some 688 kg honey was extracted from Zizyphus (‘ber') flora at Khore and 1736 kg honey in April, from Citrus (‘musambi', ‘malta', ‘kinno') and Acacia modesta (‘phulai') flora.
Pure natural honey produced as a research by-product and packed under hygienic conditions is being provided to the employees and general public by the University. Total sale proceeds of the honey sold so far is more than
Rs. 45,25,905/-..
Fish Farm: Fish research culture is also being promoted at PU Fish Research Farms established in 2002. Famous varieties of Rohu, Thaila, Grass-Carp and Silver-Carp have been introduced in the fish ponds. These Farms have been designed to be transformed into a self-sustained Aquaculture Research Center. The sale of fish is in progress and up-till now total sale/income proceeds is Rs.9,32,224/-. Veterinary University researchers are carrying out research on these farms.
PU Seed Centre PU: PU Seed Centre was launched in the year 2002 to carryout research to produce disease free seeds to increase productivity of various types of vegetables. The Centre has produced disease free potato seed, which has been approved by the Punjab Seed Corporation. The seed has been purchased by the Punjab Seed Corporation. The seed has been sold for Rs.2,49,747/-. The research is also in hand to produce disease free seed of sugarcane and banana.
Hybrid Vegetable Farming: Hybrid Vegetable Research Farm has been set up with a view to creating awareness how the agricultural income can be increased by small farmers. It is planned to educate farmers on this technology. Masters programs in Agricultural Management has been introduced to help enhance the agricultural productivity in rural areas so that migration from rural areas to urban areas is curtailed. Comparative data is given as follows:-
EXPENDITURE AND INCOME – CULTIVATION PER ACRE
CROPS |
PERIOD (MONTHS) |
CULTIVATION EXPENDITURE (RS.) |
INCOME (RS.) |
PROFIT (RS.) |
MONTHLY INCOME (RS.) |
WHEAT |
6 |
3,000 |
10,000 |
7,000 |
1,200 |
RICE |
4 |
3,000 |
14,500 |
11,500 |
3,000 |
SEASONAL TOMATO |
4 |
25,000 |
60,000 |
35,000 |
9,000 |
SEASONAL PEPPER |
4 - 5 |
25,000 |
1,00,000 |
75,000 |
15,000 |
SEASONAL CABBAGE |
4 |
22,000 |
30,000 |
7,500 |
2,000 |
SEASONAL CUCUMBER |
3 |
20,000 |
60,000 |
40,000 |
13,000 |
UNSEASONAL TOMATO |
4 |
45,000 |
3,80.,000 |
3,35,000 |
84,000 |
UNSEASONAL PEPPER |
4 – 5 |
38,000 |
3,50.,000 |
3,12,000 |
62,400 |
UNSEASONAL CABBAGE |
4 |
32,000 |
1,20,000 |
88,000 |
22,000 |
UNSEASONAL CUCUMBER |
3 |
47,000 |
3,60,000 |
3,13,000 |
140,000 |
COST SHED PER ACRE
Angle Iron Rs.300,000
Bamboo Rs.120,000
Mini Shed Rs. 30,000
• To educate the farmers on Hybrid plantations, disease free vegetable farms have been developed to provide guidance/information and to demonstrate to the farmers and students increase their knowledge for research and productivity in agriculture. The income within 3/4 months comes to Rs.3/4 lacs per acre.
• Hybrid seeds are being developed by the Centre of Excellence for Molecular Biology.
• Agricultural Minister Punjab, Secretary Agriculture, DG Extension, Bacteria Project, visited Hybrid Seed Project.
• Identified and cloned Bt genes in cotton and rice, to breed genetic resistance against insects. Field trials are promising.
• Developed DNA based diagnostic procedures, for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
• DNA analysis is being used by crime investigating agencies throughout Pakistan. Specialist training courses are offered to for police officers on crime scene evidence collection through Federal Judicial Academy.
• Initiated a program of research to investigate the therapeutic potential of stem cells. |
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