Pakistan’s agriculture sector stands at a critical juncture, where food loss, climate vulnerability, and digital transformation intersect. Amid these challenges, the School of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) hosted the 6th International Applied Economics Conference, themed “Bridging Gaps: Strategies for Food Loss Mitigation,” on October 22–23, 2025, in Islamabad.

The two-day event jointly organized with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and several partner universities gathered an inspiring mix of policymakers, scholars, and students to deliberate on strategies for reducing agricultural losses, wastage and strengthening Pakistan’s food security.

The first day took place at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), while the second day convened at the School of Economics Conference Hall, QAU, Islamabad.

Learning from experience, not donating for applause

Representing ACIAR, Mr. Kazmi clarified a fundamental distinction: “We are not a donor agency; we are a learning organization.” He noted that ACIAR routinely revisits projects even a decade after completion to evaluate their lasting effects on farming communities. This approach, he stressed, transforms agricultural aid into adaptive learning turning evidence into evolution.

The project, involving Quaid-i-Azam University, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan, Islamic International University Islamabad........

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