SAU and Lion Agro Fertilizer Join Hands to Advance Sustainable Agriculture

TANDOJAM (Press Release) Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lion Agro Fertilizer (Pvt.) Limited to strengthen research collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, improving soil health, and developing modern fertilizer technologies. The partnership seeks to convert academic research into practical, farmer-friendly, and climate-resilient solutions while fostering closer linkages among academia, industry, and the farming community.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Senate Hall of Sindh Agriculture University in the presence of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal. The agreement was signed on behalf of SAU by Director ORIC, Dr. Tanveer Fatima Miano, while Lion Agro Fertilizer was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rashid Khan Qaimkhani.
Under the five-year agreement, both institutions will work jointly to enhance agricultural productivity in Pakistan, improve soil fertility, and support farmer livelihoods through the development of cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable agricultural solutions. Planned activities include field trials and experimental plots to assess fertilizer performance, along with research on soil health, balanced plant nutrition, and crop-specific advanced fertilizers.
The collaboration also places strong emphasis on capacity building. Faculty members and students will participate in industry-linked research projects, while seminars and workshops will be organized to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness among farmers. The Department of Soil Science will provide scientific trial facilities and soil analysis services, whereas Lion Agro Fertilizer will supply fertilizers and offer technical support for research and field activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted that meaningful collaboration between academia and industry is vital to addressing present-day agricultural challenges, particularly those related to soil fertility and sustainable crop production. He noted that such partnerships play a key role in translating scientific research into affordable and practical solutions for farmers, thereby contributing to national agricultural development.
Dean, Faculty of Crop Production, Professor Dr. Inayatullah Rajpar, said that collaboration with a reputable fertilizer industry would strengthen interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and technology transfer. Chairman, Department of Soil Science, Professor Dr. Allah Wadhayo Gandahi, added that the MoU provides a robust platform for the scientific evaluation of fertilizers, soil fertility analysis, and soil health research under local agro-environmental conditions.
The MoU is extendable by mutual consent. Professor Dr. Allah Wadhayo Gandahi from SAU and Mr. Rashid Khan Qaimkhani, CEO of Lion Agro Fertilizer, have been nominated as focal persons to oversee and coordinate activities under the agreement.