Connecting academic expertise with real-world industry experience can play an important role in addressing the challenges facing Pakistan’s food and agriculture sector. Building on this approach, Nestlé Pakistan and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have expanded their partnership through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The collaboration spans sustainable agriculture, food science, nutrition, applied research and workforce development, with a particular focus on strengthening knowledge exchange and supporting more sustainable food systems.
Speaking on the occasion, Jason Avanceña, CEO and MD, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “Through the Nestlé Learning Resource Center and our continued partnership with UAF, we aim to create opportunities for knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and leadership development. It further strengthens our work in regenerative agriculture, and food science, and enables creating shared value by bringing together knowledge, industry expertise and young talent.”
Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, said, “Strong industry-academia linkages are essential to translating research into solutions that address real-world challenges. Our partnership with Nestlé Pakistan will provide greater opportunities for our students and researchers to gain practical exposure while jointly exploring solutions for more resilient and sustainable food systems in Pakistan.”
The collaboration also builds on Nestlé Pakistan’s work in regenerative agriculture as part of its global ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
A key component of the partnership is the establishment of the Nestlé Learning Resource Center (NLRC) at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), UAF. The initiative was formalized during a visit by Jason Avanceña, CEO and Managing Director, Nestlé Pakistan, and the company’s senior leadership to the university.
Across Punjab, Nestlé Pakistan has introduced regenerative agriculture practices on more than 125 maize, alfalfa, oats, sorghum and wheat farms, working with farmers on soil health, water efficiency, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Aligned with UN SDGs 13, 15 and 17, the Nestlé-UAF partnership aims to take this work further helping translate knowledge into solutions for more sustainable and resilient food systems in Pakistan.
