Pakistani agricultural innovation earned global acclaim as Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, a renowned researcher from Shah Latif University Khairpur, Sindh, was awarded the prestigious Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. He was recognized in the “Influential Figure” category during a ceremony at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
The event, attended by delegates from 66 countries over two days, celebrated significant global advancements in sustainable agriculture. Dr. Markhand’s award highlights Pakistan’s growing role in international agricultural research, particularly in the field of date palm cultivation.
In remarks following the ceremony, Dr. Markhand expressed his pride, noting that over 180 researchers from 28 nations had competed in the same category, with Pakistan and Egypt emerging as the winners.
Pakistan-UAE Agricultural Collaboration
During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to organize the second Pakistan International Date Palm Festival in 2025. The agreement, aimed at enhancing agricultural ties, was signed by Pakistan’s Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award.
The MoU seeks to promote sustainable farming techniques, encourage research in date palm cultivation, and facilitate knowledge exchange between the two countries. Minister Hussain highlighted that this partnership would contribute to tackling global food security challenges and climate change through shared innovation.
He also emphasized the MoU’s potential to improve date production in Pakistan by introducing new varieties and boosting exports.
Acknowledgments and Closing
UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, praised the award recipients for their contributions to agricultural progress. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, was also recognized for his efforts in strengthening bilateral agricultural and diplomatic relations.
The event concluded under the patronage of UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with tributes paid to global figures promoting the advancement of the date palm sector and sustainable agriculture.
