Peshawar – The Senate of the Agriculture University Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday approved a budget of Rs445.99 million for the financial year 2026-27 and called for greater focus on research addressing the needs of farmers in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The seventh Senate meeting, chaired by KP Agriculture Adviser and Pro-Chancellor Mian Muhammad Umar, reviewed the university’s financial, administrative, academic and research affairs and considered measures to improve its overall performance.
KP Secretary Agriculture Dr Bakhtiar, Vice Chancellor Agriculture University DI Khan Dr Latif Gondal and other Senate members attended the meeting.
The Senate reviewed expenditure incurred during 2025-26, the university’s income and expenditure position, available resources, utilisation of funds and financial discipline. Members stressed the need to use resources in line with the university’s academic, research and administrative priorities.
Mr Umar directed the university administration to orient its research towards local agricultural needs, changing climatic conditions and the problems faced by farmers in Dera Ismail Khan and other southern districts.
He said sustainable agricultural development required modern, practical and results-oriented research whose benefits could reach farmers directly. He called for research into increasing crop yields, efficient water use, modern irrigation techniques, agricultural technology and improved seed varieties.
The agriculture adviser said research should not remain confined to academic institutions but its findings should be translated into practical applications and made accessible to farmers.
He stressed the need for closer coordination between the university and the Agriculture Department to facilitate the implementation of research findings in the field.
Mr Umar also called for prudent and transparent use of university funds, saying priority should be given to improving academic and research standards, providing better facilities for students and upgrading institutional infrastructure.
He said universities had an important role in agricultural research, adoption of modern technology and human-resource development, adding that the Agriculture University DI Khan should further align its research programmes with the requirements of farmers and the region’s agricultural economy.
Senate members also presented suggestions on the university’s development, quality of education, expansion of research activities and financial management.
