The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore marked World Milk Day with a series of events focused on the theme “Challenges of Sustainable Dairy on Nutrition and Livelihoods in Pakistan” at its City Campus on Saturday. The celebration aimed to raise awareness about the nutritional value of milk and address the sustainability challenges faced by the dairy industry.

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The event featured a variety of activities including a walk, a seminar, a consultative session, and an interactive Q&A session. These activities were designed to engage participants and facilitate discussions on the importance of milk for human health and the economic significance of the dairy sector.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), Mr Rana Tanveer Hussain, presided over the seminar. In his address, he emphasized the crucial role of agriculture and livestock in contributing to Pakistan’s GDP. He highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance milk production to meet the growing population’s needs and boost meat exports, which are vital for the national economy. He also underscored the importance of academia-industry linkages to bridge gaps and foster sector development.

“Pakistan is the fourth largest milk-producing country in the world,” Mr. Hussain noted. “Our livestock sector has the potential to solve economic crises, but this requires hard work and commitment.”

UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younus stressed the significance of the event as a platform for stakeholders to discuss issues and collaboratively find solutions. He invited suggestions and technical input from participants to address the challenges facing the dairy industry.

Secretary Livestock & Dairy Development Department Punjab, Muhammad Masoud Anwar, spoke about the department’s initiatives, including the establishment of a Genomics Center in Lahore aimed at breed improvement to enhance milk and meat production. He called for improvements in local buffalo breeds, better farm management, increased fodder production, and the application of modern farming practices and genetic analysis.

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice-Chancellor of Agriculture University Faisalabad (UAF), highlighted the need for advanced technologies such as embryo transfer, progeny testing, and artificial insemination to increase milk production and address malnutrition and stunting in Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Akram, President of the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC), advocated for stronger ties between academia and industry to collaboratively tackle the dairy sector’s challenges.

The consultative session at the end of the program allowed stakeholders to present suggestions aimed at reducing production costs, removing price caps on milk, building farmers’ capacity, and raising awareness about modern farm management practices to enhance profitability.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younus, along with Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan and Dr. Muhammad Akram, led a walk around the City Campus to promote public awareness about the nutritional benefits of milk. The walk saw participation from a wide range of dairy stakeholders and dignitaries.

The event brought together key figures including 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, as well as progressive farmers, representatives of farmer and Buffalo Breeder Associations, policymakers, milk processors, faculty members, and students.

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