Farmers Day Seminar on maize–soybean intercropping technology was organized by the NRCI, IUB

Farmers Day Seminar on maize–soybean intercropping technology was organized by the National Research Centre for Intercropping, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, at Chak No. 112/DB, Yazman, Bahawalpur (Dera Muhammad Hafeez-U-Rehman). More than 200 farmers actively participated in the event and engaged in discussions on the practical benefits of intercropping systems for improving farm productivity and profitability.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Team Leader of PARB Project No. 20-350, briefed the participants about the significance of maize–soybean intercropping in enhancing land use efficiency, improving soil health through biological nitrogen fixation, and increasing overall farm income. He highlighted the role of this technology in reducing dependence on imported soybean and strengthening local agricultural sustainability.

Dr. Imran Haider, Dr. Aqib Mahmood, Dr. Sana-U-Rehman, and Dr. Muhammad Kamran elaborated on the technical aspects of the intercropping system, including row configuration, planting geometry, nutrient management, and pest control under local agro-climatic conditions.

The event also emphasized the importance of adopting research-based innovations to enhance crop productivity and resource use efficiency. The seminar was organized under PARB funded Project No. 20-350, “Development of Soybean in Pakistan to Reduce the Import Bills,” reflecting IUB’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening linkages between research and farming communities in South Punjab.