Abu Dhabi: Pakistan agricultural innovation has received global recognition as Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, an eminent Pakistani researcher from the Shah Latif University Khairpur Sindh, was honored with the prestigious international prize Khalifa Palm and Agricultural Innovation in the “influential category” during a great ceremony held by the emoters.
The event, assisted by representatives of 66 countries over two days, celebrated the world’s achievements in agriculture and sustainable innovation. Dr. Markhand’s recognition highlights Pakistan’s contribution to global scientific research in agriculture.
Speaking with PK Press Club News, the researcher proudly declared that it was a great honor to receive the prize for his contributions to research on the palm.
He shared that more than 180 researchers and academics from 28 countries have submitted their work for the “influential figure” category, Pakistan and Egypt winning the best prices in this category.
Pakistan-Uae
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed during the ceremony to organize the second Pakistan International Date Palm Festival 2025 in Pakistan.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by the federal minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, representing Pakistan, and the secretary general of the International Khalifa Prize, Dr Abdelouahhab Zaid.
The memorandum of understanding aims to promote the culture of palm trees and sustainable agricultural practices. He seeks to promote innovation and the exchange of knowledge between Pakistan and Water, strengthening their agricultural collaboration.
Hussain underlined the importance of Pakistani-Uae collaboration, declaring: “The recognition of this memorandum of understanding and Dr. Markhand reflects Pakistan’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainable practices. Together, we can take up global challenges such as food security and climate change.”
While discussing the production potential of dates in Pakistan, Hussain said that the memorandum of understanding will help improve the production of dates and introduce new varieties in the country. He expressed the hope that the collaboration of Pakistan-Uae will increase the exports of date from Pakistan.
Sheikh Nahayan, the Timmizi ambassador recognized
The Minister of the United Arab Emirates of tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, congratulated the contributions of the winners in the progression of agricultural innovation.
Pakistan Ambassador to Water, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, was also recognized for his efforts to strengthen agricultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The event, organized under the patronage of the Vice-President of Water and Deputy Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ended with distinctions for international figures contributing to the growth of the palm and global agriculture sector.
