Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kirmani visited Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, where he reviewed the university’s work on hydroponics and controlled environment farming. The Minister was received by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman along with the Registrar, Deans, Directors and senior faculty, and he praised PMAS-AAUR’s applied research that targets sustainable food production in arid and urban settings.
The Minister highlighted the new 2-Marla Rooftop Hydroponic Project as a practical step to convert urban and peri-urban spaces into productive green zones. He said Rooftop Hydroponics will enable families to grow organic vegetables at home, promote healthy living and reduce household expenses, and that the government will fast-track the proposal for presentation to the Chief Minister Punjab for immediate approval.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo commended the university’s academic environment and confirmed the Agriculture Department’s intent to make the hydroponic system available on a subsidized basis to ensure adoption at the grassroots level. He stressed stronger coordination with agricultural universities across the province to roll out jointly implemented projects and awareness programs focused on modern farming techniques.
The Minister directed the Vice Chancellor and the Secretary to deepen collaboration on joint research, technology transfer and farmers’ awareness initiatives so that Rooftop Hydroponics and other controlled environment solutions reach both farmers and non-farming citizens. He emphasized that the goal is to empower communities with knowledge and tools for modern agriculture and household food security.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman reaffirmed PMAS-AAUR’s commitment to support the Agriculture Transformation Plan through applied research, capacity building and technology dissemination. He noted ongoing mega research projects, new laboratories and faculty-led patents aimed at low-cost, locally adaptable solutions for small-scale farmers that complement rooftop and urban farming efforts.
The visit underscores a provincial push to scale Rooftop Hydroponics as part of a broader strategy to make farming technology accessible, sustainable and farmer-friendly across Punjab, leveraging university research and departmental support to convert rooftops into productive, green spaces.
