Punjab Livestock Breeding Act 2014: stakeholders call for early implementation

Stakeholders from public and private sectors at a consultative meeting at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore called for early implementation of Punjab Livestock Breeding Act 2014 here on Monday.
UVAS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, Secretary Livestock Punjab Dr Aamer Ahmad and former VC Professor Dr Manzoor Ahmad co-chaired the consultative meeting, which was organised by the UVAS in collaboration with the Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab and Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP). The objective of the meeting was to provide awareness among leading stakeholders and discuss the modalities for its effective implementation.
The Punjab Livestock Breeding Act 2014 was passed and notified in May 2014 to regulate the livestock breeding services, improve genetic potential of breeds and protect indigenous breeds of livestock in Punjab province. In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Talat Pasha said that early adoption of the Act is the only way forward for development of livestock sector. He said that a system should be developed to improve the production potential of indigenous breeds and there is the need to select high quality genetic bulls for the purpose.
He said that Pakistan has the largest population of dairy animals, so the world expects from us to be leader in genetic improvement. Former VC Professor Dr Manzoor Ahmad appreciated the passage of Livestock Breeding Act and said that consistency in policies and programmes will ensure progress in livestock sector.
He called for improvement in the genetic potential of local breeds and lauded UVAS efforts in this regard. Secretary Livestock Dr Aamer Ahmad said that passage of Livestock Breeding Act is a good beginning. He urged the stakeholders to extend their valuable input for finalising various modalities and adoption of the Act. He assured the stakeholders that the government is making concerted efforts for development of livestock sector.