Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT), in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), has taken a significant step toward climate resilience and sustainable agriculture by launching the Eddy Covariance Flux Tower. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide precise and real-time weather data, offering vital insights to safeguard crops against climate risks.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Amir Azam Khan and Dr Mohsin Hafeez, Director of IWMI. The event was attended by a distinguished audience, including Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahzad Murtaza, Registrar Dr Muhammad Sagir, Head of Agricultural Engineering Dr Yasir Niaz, and representatives from the business and agricultural sectors, such as Mian Amir Shehbaz, Chaudhry Waheed Ahmed, and others.
The Eddy Covariance Flux Tower represents a breakthrough in climate science, enabling researchers to measure water vapor, carbon dioxide, and heat exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere with unparalleled accuracy. Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Dr Amir Azam Khan emphasized KFUEIT’s mission to advance regional agriculture by integrating cutting-edge technology with innovative practices.
“Through initiatives like the Flux Tower, we aim to provide actionable data to farmers, policymakers, and scientists to build a climate-resilient agricultural system,” he remarked.
Dr Mohsin Hafeez highlighted the tower’s potential in disaster mitigation, improved water management, and strengthening the agricultural infrastructure of the Southern Indus Basin.
As part of the initiative, KFUEIT hosted a workshop titled “Mapping of Water and Carbon Fluxes Using Eddy Covariance Flux Tower in Southern Indus Basin.” The workshop, led by experts from KFUEIT and IWMI, focused on equipping participants with skills to utilize flux tower data effectively.
The training covered advanced techniques for monitoring water and carbon fluxes, crucial for reducing carbon footprints, optimizing water use, and adapting farming practices to the challenges posed by climate change.
“This workshop is a step toward empowering stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to create a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system,” said Dr Yasir Niaz, Head of Agricultural Engineering at KFUEIT.
The project aligns with KFUEIT’s broader vision of leveraging technological innovations to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. Stakeholders, including members of the business community and agricultural experts, lauded the initiative as a transformative step for the region.
With the launch of the Eddy Covariance Flux Tower, KFUEIT and IWMI have set a benchmark in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation, reaffirming their commitment to the welfare of the Southern Indus Basin and beyond.