RAWALPINDI, Feb 18: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Wednesday announced that the provincial government is moving forward with a 2-Marla Rooftop Hydroponic Project aimed at promoting modern urban farming and empowering farmers with innovative tools.
The minister made the remarks during his visit to Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR), where he was accompanied by Punjab Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. The delegation was received by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman along with senior faculty members.
Government backs modern agriculture solutions
During the visit, the minister reviewed the university’s work in hydroponics and controlled environment farming. He said the government is committed to transforming agriculture through technology-driven solutions, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where traditional farming faces challenges.
“Our goal is to empower farmers as well as non-farming citizens with knowledge and tools for modern agriculture,” Kirmani said, emphasizing the importance of research-based solutions for food security and sustainable production.
2-Marla rooftop hydroponic project
Highlighting the proposed 2-Marla Rooftop Hydroponic Project, the minister said the initiative aims to convert urban and peri-urban spaces into productive green areas. He noted that rooftop hydroponic systems would enable families to grow organic vegetables at home, contributing to improved nutrition and household savings.
He added that the project would be finalized on a priority basis and submitted for approval.
Hydroponics, a soil-less farming method, is gaining attention as a space-efficient and water-saving alternative suitable for densely populated cities.
Focus on research collaboration
The minister directed PMAS-AAUR and the Agriculture Department to strengthen collaboration in joint research, technology transfer and farmer awareness programmes. He said closer coordination between universities and government departments would help accelerate adoption of modern agricultural practices.
Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said the department is exploring ways to make hydroponic systems available on a subsidized basis to ensure grassroots-level adoption. He added that partnerships with agricultural universities across Punjab are being expanded to promote sustainable and farmer-friendly technologies.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman assured the delegation that PMAS-AAUR will continue supporting Punjab’s agriculture transformation plan through applied research, capacity building and technology dissemination.
He said the university is working on major research initiatives, modern laboratories and patent-driven innovations focused on cost-effective and locally adaptable solutions for small-scale farmers.
The visit underscored the province’s renewed focus on modernizing agriculture through innovation, urban farming and institutional collaboration.
