IUB and Sichuan Agricultural University Extend Research and AI Collaboration

What happened

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), visited China to attend the 120th anniversary celebrations of Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU) [1]. During this visit, IUB and SAU officially extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an additional five years [1]. This agreement focuses on expanding bilateral research and technological collaboration [1].

Key details of the collaboration include:

• Agricultural Research: The partnership solidifies joint intercropping research led by IUB’s National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI) under Director Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza [1]. This research has applied Chinese strip intercropping technology to more than 12,000 hectares of Pakistani farmland to improve yields [1].
• Scholarships: The agreement secured 56 fully funded scholarships for IUB students at SAU [1].
• Institutional Standing: IUB is the only Pakistani institution currently on the Standing Council of the Food Security Education and Technology Innovation Alliance [1].
• Artificial Intelligence and Computing: Prof. Dr. Kamran discussed building local digital capabilities through IUB’s Artificial Intelligence Research and Advancement Lab and interdisciplinary AI integration [1]. Additionally, IUB launched a specialized Quantum Computing program in 2026 [1].
• Other Agreements: IUB has also signed an MoU with the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China [2]. Furthermore, the university signed MoUs with Bahawal Women Entrepreneurs (BWE) and Circle Women Lahore [2].

In related developments at the Baghdad ul Jadeed Campus, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran inaugurated the Centre of AI and Digital Skills (CADS) [2].

Who is affected

• IUB Students: Students are eligible for 56 fully funded scholarships at Sichuan Agricultural University [1].
• Pakistani Farmers: More than 12,000 hectares of farmland have been impacted by the adaptation of Chinese strip intercropping technology [1].
• Academic Departments: The National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI), the Department of Media and Communication Studies, and the Artificial Intelligence Research and Advancement Lab are involved in these initiatives [1].