ISLAMABAD: A meeting on ‘Strengthening Markets for Agriculture and Rural Transformation’ (SMART) was held on Monday at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) in collaboration with Research and Extension wing of the World Bank. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the research and extension components of agriculture and to explore the gaps among research, industry and extension in order to strengthen market and rural transformation process in the Punjab. The meeting was chaired by Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad, the vice chancellor of PMAS-AAUR. Derek Byerlee, the Head of Research Work at World Bank, and Dr Mubarik Ali, Consultant at World Bank, were the guests of honour. The meeting was attended by deans, directors and administrative officials of the university. Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad, in his address, acknowledged the importance and need of research. “Our research must address the needs of farmers and other stakeholders to harvest the benefits of new technologies and modern agricultural practices. Today’s activity will help us in identifying the gaps among research, Industry at national and international market levels,” he said. He emphasised the need to indigenise knowledge with a particular focus on stimulating growth and increase productivity through technological advancements and marketing strategies. During the meeting, Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad shared achievements and initiatives of the university and also briefed them about the ongoing academic projects and research work with the delegation members. The participants discussed the issues related to agricultural research and extension and gave their suggestions about strengthening the market and transform the rural system. The delegation members applauded the efforts of vice chancellor in academic and research avenues and thanked the participants for their valuable ideas and suggestion. Published in Daily Times, September 26th 2017.