Production Research in the field of livestock is extremely vital, especially the one focusing on buffaloes as they are prime producers of milk in the country.
This was stated by Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Atta-ur-Rehman while inaugurating a national conference on 'Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Production, Vision 2020', here on Saturday.
The event was organised by Pakistan Animal Husbandry Association to review the existing situation of livestock and poultry industry in Pakistan.
A large number of people from different walks of life including Professors, agriculture experts and students were present on the occasion.
Atta said that livestock contributes 45 percent to GDP as against 42 percent of major crops, while Pakistan's share in the world with respect to poultry is 0.5 percent.
The importance of livestock cannot be lost sight of because Pakistan exports Rs 1,560 million worth livestock products every year. Thus, in the present era, livestock is sustaining agriculture, he added.
Dr Atta advised the participants to submit their PC-1 for approval to HEC so as to ensure excellent growth in the realm of poultry and livestock.
However, he said, it is the era of modern education and without getting latest knowledge the development in any field is impossible.
He said that educated youth are the real assets of Pakistan, and added that HEC has taken practical steps to promote education in the country. "We are making all-out efforts through qualified and competent teachers," he added.
He said that many countries have hailed the progress of HEC and informed that the major program of HEC for Ph D scholarships would soon be started.
The HEC chairman appreciated the role of poultry industry and said that it has a big role in the country's development. He said that various universities of Pakistan are offering poultry programmes by providing quality education to agriculture workers.