Livestock sector has potential to solve economic crises of the country: Rana Tanveer
LAHORE (01-06-24): The Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Faculty of Animal Production & Technology of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore jointly observed World Milk Day with the theme of ‘Challenges of Sustainable Dairy on Nutrition and Livelihoods in Pakistan” here on Saturday in City Campus.
Collective efforts are only key to boost the dairy sector in Pakistan: Secretary, Livestock Masoud
Various activities including a walk, a seminar, a consultative session, recommendations on challenges of sustainable dairy and question & answer session featured the day to create awareness about nutritional value of milk for human health.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Mr Rana Tanveer Hussain presided over the seminar while Secretary Livestock & Dairy Development Department Punjab Muhammad Masoud Anwar, President Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council Dr Muhammad Akram, UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Muhammad Younus (DLA.I, T.I), Vice-Chancellor Agriculture University Faisalabad Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Durrani, Dean Faculty of Animal Production & Technology Prof Dr Saima, Chairperson Department of Dairy Technology Dr Saima Inayat and a number of stakeholders from dairy industry, progressive farmers, representatives of farmer & Buffalo Breeder Associations, policy makers, milk processer, faculty members & students were present.
While addressing the seminar, Mr Rana Tanveer Hussain said that agriculture and livestock both sectors are equally important and contributing vital role in the national GDP of Pakistan. He said there is a huge potential in livestock sector and government of Pakistan is focusing on the development of this sector especially on enhancing milk production to cater the need of growing population as well as meat export to boost national economy of country. He urged establishing academia & industry linkages to fill the gap. He said Pakistan is the 4th largest milk producing country in the world and government of Pakistan continues striving hard for the enhancement of milk production. He said livestock sector has the potential to solve economic crises of country and for this purpose hardworking and commitment is required.
Prof Dr Muhammad Younus said that on milk day UVAS is providing a platform to all stakeholders where they can discuss their issues, challenges and find solution with collective wisdom. He also sought suggestions and technical input from stakeholders to solve dairy industries issues.
Secretary Livestock Muhammad Masoud Anwar said that Livestock Department is working hard for the establishment of Genomics Center in Lahore to work on breed improvement for enhancing milk and meat production. He urged the improvement of Pakistani local breed buffalo, farm management, increase fodder production, latest farming practices, scientific analysis of genetics for best breeds and exact figures of livestock data.
Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said it is direly needed to work on embryo transfer technology, progeny testing and artificial insemination to enhance milk production in country and curb malnutrition and stunting issues.
Dr Muhammad Akram stressed on establishing strong linkages between academia & industry to discuss issues and find way forward to solve issues with collective efforts.
At the end of programme a consultative session was held where all the stakeholders gave suggestions to reduce cost of production, price de-capping of milk, capacity building of farmers & create awareness among them about latest farm management practices for their profitability.
Earlier, Prof Dr Muhammad Younus along with Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad, Dr Muhammad Akram led the walk while a number of dairy stakeholders and dignitaries participated and took the round of City Campus to create awareness among public regarding the nutritional importance of milk.