Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS)

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Horticulture was established in the year 2007. Currently, the Department offers BS and MS-Horticulture programs. Fruits and vegetable are the main sources of Balochisatn and especially of District Lasbela. Balochistan has a unique environment for the production of a great variety of quality fruits. Balochistan is known as the fruit-basket of the country. However, this sector not acquired the status of profitable industry. Therefore, keeping in view, the necessity of society, the Department was initiated to produce graduate in these areas. The Horticulture department of Lasbela University is in full confidence to prepare the responsible students by imparting research-oriented quality education to meet national and international demand. The department is equipped with highly sophisticated laboratory equipment’s, farm areas for fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops research. The major areas of research are post-harvest physiology, value-addition of horticultural crops, crop varieties adaptation and stress management.

The Department aims to provide training in production practices, insects, pests and disease control, counselling regarding day-to-day problems in various disciplines of horticulture. These diverse topics relate to a multitude of disciplines like biochemistry, biology and crop physiology. Horticultural sciences are aimed to prepare graduates for a variety of interesting careers and opportunities. A horticulture graduate/ scientist can be employed in federal, state and local government agencies to manage and monitor the use of available resources, solve problems and conduct research. They can be employed by private industries such as juice factory, environmental agencies, flowers exhibition, landscape architecture, and fruits or vegetables distributer.

Presently, Pakistan exports fruits and vegetable on a small scale and earn valuable foreign exchange. However, there is a great potential to increase exports of fruits and vegetables in large scale. Therefore, it is necessary to enlarge and strength the existing horticulture industry and produce skill manpower to fuel this national need. Horticulture is now a challenging profession that has expanded the industry of multibillion dollars. Overall, the area of horticulture plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, improve food security and strengthen the economy of a country.

VISION

The vision of Horticulture Department is to enhance horticultural crops productivity, driving economic growth, industrial development, food security, and societal well-being.

MISSION

The mission of Horticulture Department is to deliver result-oriented education, problem- solving skills, and professional training, fostering leadership and advanced research with a focus on local and national priorities.

OBJECTIVES

To identify challenges in the horticulture sector and develop effective solutions.
To promote awareness and adoption of modern horticultural techniques.
To equip students with skills for applied research and innovative thinking.
To foster collaboration with research organizations to enhance outcomes.
To develop strong communication skills in both report writing and oral presentations.

OFFERED PROGRAMS

BS AGRICULTURE (HORTICULTURE)

MS AGRICULTURE (HORTICULTURE)

PHD AGRICULTURE (HORTICULTURE)

FACULTY PROFILE

Dr. Ghulam Khaliq
(Chairman)

Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed Baloch

Dr. Khan Mir Khan

Dr. Abuzar Jaffar

Mr. Adil Hameed

Mr. Zeshan Ahmed

Mr. Qeasar Habib

ACHIEVEMENTS

The Department of Horticulture has consistently produced exceptional students and research scholars who have gone on to serve in various sectors across Balochistan and the entire nation. These professionals have made significant contributions to advancing the horticulture industry, particularly in the areas of fruit and vegetable production. They have played a pivotal role in improving crop quality, increasing horticultural productivity, and addressing community needs, thereby enhancing socioeconomic conditions in the region. Through their efforts, the department has become a key driver of agricultural development and sustainability, benefiting both local and national economies.

The faculty members and research scholars of the Department of Horticulture have made remarkable contributions to the academic and scientific community by publishing high- quality research articles in prestigious national and international impact factor journals. Their work has not only advanced knowledge in the field of horticulture but also highlighted innovative practices and solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture. These achievements reflect the department commitment to excellence in research and its role in shaping sustainable horticultural practices at both local and global levels.

The Department of Horticulture has successfully organized seminars, workshops, and symposiums, creating platforms for knowledge exchange and the dissemination of cutting- edge research in horticulture. The department has conducted specialized training programs aimed at educating and empowering local farmers. These initiatives have significantly enhanced farmers awareness of modern horticultural practices, improved agricultural productivity, and contributed to the socioeconomic upliftment of the farming community. Through these efforts, the department continues to play a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting rural development.

The faculty members of the Department of Horticulture have successfully completed numerous research projects funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. These projects have contributed to advancing knowledge in horticulture, addressing key challenges in agriculture, and developing innovative solutions to improve crop production and sustainability. The department ability to secure and complete HEC-funded projects reflects its academic excellence, research capabilities, and commitment to contributing to national development through impactful research.

The Department of Horticulture has established a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with advanced, modern instruments to support cutting-edge research and innovation. This facility has significantly enhanced the research capabilities of scholars and faculty, enabling them to conduct high-quality studies in various areas of horticulture. Furthermore, the laboratory serves the local community by providing access to scientific resources and expertise, thereby addressing agricultural challenges and contributing to the improvement of horticultural practices in the region.

CONTACT US

Phone: +92-853-610923

Email: [email protected]