30/09/2025
Another success from the highlands of District Ghizer, G.B.
Indeed, we are pleased to announce the significant achievement of Mr. Kamal Adil, S/O Adil Shah, the first student from Gahkuch Bala (Saryote) to gain admission to a fully funded PhD program. Mr. Adil, a committed plant breeder and geneticist, has been enrolled in a fully funded doctoral program at the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GSCAAS). This esteemed institution, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, is internationally acclaimed for its award-winning molecular research and pioneering innovations.
Mr. Adil completed his Matriculation and Intermediate in Karachi before relocating to Sargodha, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences. He subsequently pursued a master’s degree from PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, concentrating on gene expression analysis under plant-microbe interactions. His research demonstrated exceptional dedication and scientific enthusiasm, establishing a foundation for a career in advanced agricultural research. Following his Master’s, he joined the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad as a Research Associate (R.A), focusing on the commercialization of potato tissue culture technology in Pakistan. He was later assigned to the Mountain Agricultural Research Station (MARS) in Chilas to organize and oversee a tissue culture laboratory. Under his leadership, the team successfully produced in vitro plantlets and G0 seeds, significantly advancing the objective of achieving self-sufficiency in virus-free seed production in Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, he also possesses experience in aeroponic virus-free seed production technology a project by KOPIA, the Korean Government working on self-sufficiency in potato seed. In addition, Mr. Adil has also contributed to innovative potato breeding programs to develop disease-resistant varieties, further underscoring his commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security in northern Pakistan.
He expresses sincere gratitude to his parents and family for their unwavering support and to his supervisors, mentors, teachers, and Seniors, whose guidance, encouragement, and inspiration have been invaluable throughout his journey. Mr. Adil encourages all young scholars, particularly those from remote areas, to pursue their aspirations, work diligently, and explore international opportunities. With dedication, courage, and appropriate guidance, even the most ambitious goals can be realized. His success exemplifies that aspirations from the mountains can reach the highest peaks globally.
