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Beyond Food, Fibre and Shelter: Plant-Based Industries in the Northern Agriculture Landscape

Tracks
Auditorium
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
1:55 PM - 2:15 PM

Overview

Dr Muhammad Sohail Mazhar, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of the Northern Territory Government


Speaker

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Dr Muhammad Sohail Mazhar
Senior Director Plant Industries
Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of the Northern Territory Government

Beyond food, fibre and shelter: Plant-based industries in the northern agriculture landscape

Abstract

The agriculture sector in the Northern Territory of Australia is well underway towards growing its Gross Value of Production from $1.3B to $2B by 2030. All stakeholders of the sector are working collaboratively for development of a sustainable landscape that benefits Territorian agribusinesses - particularly the primary producers. Balancing environment, social, cultural, and economic considerations is the fundamental objective of the agricultural sector. The Plant Industries Group of the Northern Territory Government is providing research support to cropping, forestry, horticulture, and improved pasture systems. Current efforts are focused on; 1) data driven innovation for adoption of precision agriculture technologies for improving efficiency of production through to consumption supply chains; 2) managing natural resources (water, soil and climate) for promoting sustainable farming, drought resilience, and climate smart agriculture to achieve reduced costs of production, increased productivity, and reduced produce losses; 3) carbon farming outreach program to deliver training and advice to the Northern Territory farmers and land managers to increase their knowledge of greenhouse gas emission management, make informed decisions to lower emissions and store carbon, and integrate low emissions technologies and practices into their operations; 4) diversification into new crops and value add products, new production regions, and new farming landscapes in the Top End and central region of the Northern Territory; and 5) sustainable Aboriginal agribusiness development in areas of forestry biosecurity, native value add opportunities, and Kakadu plum, mango, vegetables and native rice farming to assist Traditional Owners in establishing entrepreneurships and securing local employment in new agricultural establishments in the region. Strengthening partnerships at local, regional, national and international level remains an ongoing agenda for enabling knowledge exchange and securing external research and development funding across all priority industries - forestry, horticulture and cropping - to promote adoption of innovative production systems and technologies.

Biography

Sohail is an agriculture value chain professional with about 20 years research, development and stakeholder engagement experience in Australia and overseas. Sohail believes in applied research and technology transfer that demonstrates impact for industry - best achieved through collaboration. Sohail’s work has made considerable contributions in achieving the food security, safety, and quality outcomes in developing as well as developed countries. Currently, at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of The Northern Territory Government, Sohail is contributing in achieving economic development of the Territory by developing, promoting, and facilitating its agricultural production systems.
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