Dr. Nafees Sadiq Kisana, the eldest son of Ch Muhammad Sadiq Kisana was an internationally acclaimed scientist and researcher. Dr. Kisana’s forefathers migrated from Indian district of Hoshiarpur (villageTodarpur) and settled in Faisalabad. Born on 10th of April, 1956 in Faisalabad, Dr. Kisana got his early education from leading schools of the city and earned his graduation degree from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Soon after his graduation he was hired as a Scientific Officer in National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. During the early years of his job, he won a scholarship and therefore earned his Masters degree M.Sc (Hons) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from UAF. Afterwards, during 1983, he completed 9 months practical and academic training in wheat breeding at International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center, (CIMMYT), Mexico.
Due to a desire for higher studies and high competency levels, he was awarded with USAID scholarship for Ph.D level studies. During 1987- He travelled to USA to pursue his Doctorate level studies at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA. He earned the degree in flying colors. His research was related to Genetic and cultural effects in haploid induction in wheat. During his stay in USA he was given a chance to travel to various States and neighbor countries to attend different Conferences, Seminars, Congress meetings and Workshops which gave him hands on experience and made him a Professional Scientist and the stage was set for him to return back and serve the country. Soon after his return, he was given the charge to lead the Wheat, Barley and Triticale Program at NARC. He was a unique Scientist with extraordinary leadership qualities. Under his leadership, NARC produced numerous Wheat varieties which were then grown in various agro-ecological zones. During his tenure as National Wheat Coordinator, the country got self sufficient in Wheat and became an Exporter of the crop. Time and again he appeared on National Television giving thoughtful advises to farmers on topics covering Wheat farming, planting techniques, sowing procedures, proper use of fertilizers and other issues. Soon he became an authority in the field of Wheat research and development.During and after this period he travelled to around 25 different countries to represent the country in various meetings. He received numerous National and International awards which include an award for excellence from American Association for Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), USA, 1991, PARSA Award, 2001 and Grow More Wheat Award by Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2004-5, truly reflecting his stature as a celebrated Scientist. He was twice nominated for the Civil Award of Pakistan Dr. Kisana was a very close friend of the Nobel Laureate- Dr. Norman Borlaug and during his visits to Pakistan, Dr. Borlaug was often accompanied and briefed by Dr. Kisana during the field visit and trips to Research Stations.
With such a vast experience of leading the Wheat department and acknowledged success, he was promoted to the level of Senior Director of Crop Sciences at NARC. This way he got responsible for looking after all the major Crops of the region, supervising relevant research activities, and looking after more than 300 scientists, and support staff. During his professional career he published more than 70 research papers, abstracts, proceedings and reports.Dr. Kisana was a real asset for Pakistan Agriculture. He served NARC for almost 35 years. During the course of his Professional life, he developed contacts with leading Agricultural Scientists and Researchers across the globe. Dr. Nafees Kisana is the elder brother of Ch. Munir Sadiq Kisana (Joint Secretary-Anjuman-e-Gujran). His other Brothers include Tanvir Sadiq Kisana, Nadeem Sadiq Kisana and Commander Azeem Sadiq Kisana, all of them serving at top levels in various organizations. Dr. Kisana’s wife Mrs. Musarat Nafees gave him a very good company throughout his life and both were great companions all the way. Prayers of his parents were of innumerable value in his success. He has two sons (Aleem Ahmed and Kaleem Ahmed) and one daughter (Aneela Nafees). Both of his sons hold Masters degree in Biochemistry and are working at Islamabad, while his daughter holds a Masters degree in Anthropology from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. After a brief ailment, Dr. Kisana passed away on 15thNovember 2014. He would be long remembered for his kind nature and a thorough professional attitude. We all pray to Almighty to bless Dr. Nafees Kisana in the highest order of Jannah and bestow his special mercy upon him. (Ameen)
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