In what could be termed as a delightful meeting with Afghan students studying at PAU, the former President of Afghanistan expressed his gratitude to the University authorities and the faculty for maintaining a close association with the Afghan students while helping them with their curriculum. While applauding the strong farmer scientist interface of PAU, Karzai complimented the students for opting for a degree in agriculture at one of the world’s best agricultural universities. “I feel happy to see that these students have interest in agriculture as compared to conventional degree courses,” said Mr karzai, while elaborating that “since agriculture is the backbone of Afghanistan, I am hopeful that your rich learning at PAU will help strengthen agriculture back home, while developing strong relationship with the farmer.” He shared his concern for the dismal levels of water table in Afghanistan, urging the students as future leaders to help conserve the same. Earlier, Ismatullah Amiri, a student of B.Sc Agriculture welcomed the president and assured on behalf of his fellow Afghan students that their great experience at PAU will help make the country agriculturally independent and advanced.At present there are 15 students from Afghanistan pursuing Bachelors’ and Masters ‘degrees in Extension Education, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics and Agronomy at PAU while another three are enrolled at GADVASU.PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr B.S. Dhillon presided over the meeting. Chairman, Punjab Farmers Commission, Mr Ajayveer Jakhar and Dean PGS, PAU, Dr G.K Sangha were also present. Advisor, Foreign students, PAU, Dr Vishal Bector coordinated the meeting.