Sunset in the river with steel bridge, The Lansdowne Bridge is a 19th-century bridge that spans the Indus River between the cities of Sukkur and Rohri, in the Sindh province of Pakistan.
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Representatives of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and an Indonesian delegation of fisheries and aquaculture experts have visited Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) in Tandojam, in the Sindh province of Pakistan, to explore possibilities for scientific and technical collaboration in fisheries, aquaculture, and rural development.
According to a press release by the Associated Press of Pakistan, this visit is part of the 'Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR)' program, aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving rural livelihoods.
The attendees of the event visited the academic and research facilities related to fisheries and aquaculture and met with faculty members, researchers, and students.
Fish disease management, hatchery operations, breeding techniques, aquaculture value chains, and processing technologies were the main topics discussed.
"We believe in mutual learning. By engaging with global experts, we aim to bring modern aquaculture practices to our local farming communities," expressed Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Syed Ghayasuddin Shah Rashdi.
Additionally, Chairman of the Department of Parasitology Prof. Dr. Muhammad Bachal Bhutto: "Our goal is to provide field-oriented scientific solutions that respond to regional challenges. The delegation was briefed on our applied research models, innovations, and localized approaches to enhance future cooperation."
The PAIDAR programme is part of a broader effort to support economic recovery in Sindh, Pakistan, developed under the province's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) with EU assistance. A key component of this strategy is the creation of Rural Growth Centers (RGCs) in five districts, including Sujawal, to serve as economic hubs that drive rural development.
The microgrants program complements this initiative by promoting small businesses that will provide crucial inputs, such as raw materials and skilled labor, around these RGCs. This integrated approach is designed to stimulate local economies and foster sustainable development.