The Department of Dairy Technology of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore in collaboration with Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab (L&DD) under the project ‘Capacity Building of Dairy Farmers & Industry Stakeholders on Milk Value Chain’ arranged a “Dairy Forum” with the theme of “Sustainability, Socioeconomic Impact & Modern Trends to Uplift the Dairy Sector” here at a local hotel.
Vice-Chancellor University of Education Lahore (UE) Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha presided over the dairy forum while Chairman Akhuwat Foundation Dr Amjad Saqib and Additional Secretary Livestock Khizar Hayat were the guests of honor. Additional Director General Operation Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Ms Saba Adil, PFA Additional Director General Ghulam Mustafa Dogar, Chairperson Department of Animal Nutrition Prof Dr Saima and a large number of stakeholders from Pakistan Dairy Association, Dairy Cattle Farmers Association, researchers, academicians, students, livestock farmers, dairy professionals/representatives from public and private dairy sectors were present in the dairy forum.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Amjad Saqib said that Pakistan will not need IMF’s support if we develop our agriculture and livestock and become self-sufficient in these sectors. He said that his foundation also supports livestock farmers and can collaborate with UVAS in this regard.
Prof Pasha stressed working on food safety and security. He also called for initiating a campaign for consumer awareness through social media to cub misconceptions. He said that it is the best platform arranged by UVAS for bringing all the stakeholders under one roof where they can share their issues, experiences and success stories with other professionals for the uplift of dairy sector and hand-holding of other professionals. He acknowledged the role of Mr Nasim Sadiq in strengthening the livestock sector when he was the Secretary of the Livestock Department.
Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad said that UVAS is working closely with dairy industry and utilizing its trained manpower to solve industry issues and play a vital role in boosting socio economic condition of the country. He acknowledges the role of UVAS Dairy Technology Department especially Project Director Dr Muhammad Junaid in making this project successful.
Mr Khizar Hayat lauded the UVAS efforts in making ‘Capacity Building of Dairy Farmers & Industry Stakeholders on Milk Value Chain’ a success and said that the Livestock Department is always willing to support the university and fund its projects.
Dr Muhammad Junaid gave a detailed presentation on the achievements of capacity building project during 2021-22. He said that about 700 farmers, industry and veterinary professionals have been trained under the project so far. Prof Dr Saima presented the vote of thanks. Earlier, the trained farmers spoke about their success stories.
Different stalls were also arranged on the occasion. The Vice-Chancellor and guests also visited the stalls. Later, a technical session was held on “Sustainability, Socioeconomic Impact & Modern Trends to Uplift the Dairy Sector’ in which stakeholders and experts had a detailed discussion on the issue.
