The three days 9th International Horticulture Conference & Expo 2025 under the theme Horticulture Transformation: Sustainable Food Safety and Security commenced at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).
The conference was organized by PMAS-AAUR Department of Horticulture in Collaboration with Pakistan Society for Horticultural Science (PSHS) with the objectives Knowledge Sharing, Networking and Collaboration, Promote Sustainability, Policy Advocacy, engage young professionals and students in horticulture, providing them with insights and opportunities to become future leaders in the field.
Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the conference. While addressing, she emphasized the role of collaborative policies, sustainable practices and community engagement to ensure food security.
She stressed the need for policies that prioritize food rights, promote equitable resource distribution, and provide essential food for populations. FAO representatives also urged to promote sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment in Pakistan.
Florence Rolle was of the view that horticultural products play an essential role in diversifying diets, improving nutrition, and ensuring food security for the population. “Many smallholder farmers engage in horticultural activities, enhancing their income and improving their quality of life”, she added.
PMAS-AAUR Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem, in his address thanked the participants and said that experts on horticulture, food security and climate change will participate to assess the sensitivity of matter and to develop a comprehensive road map for considerable policy guidelines in key identified spheres.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan, the organizer of the conference said that 300 abstracts were received from national/international scholars and Seven technical sessions will be held during the three days’ conference. More than 350 scholars from national and international reputed organizations, including delegates from china, Turkey, Malaysia, Srilanka, Nigeria are participating in this conference. Along with this conference, a Horticultural expo and spring flower show is also a part of this conference
