The association for the development of international exchange in agriculture and agri-food products and techniques (ADEPTA) has showed their interest in collaboration with the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) in academic linkages and mutual co-operation in the research of agri -food products and techniques.
This was stated by Bertrand Queveremont who led the delegation and visited University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and held a meeting with UVAS Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nasim Ahmad and other faculty members on Saturday at Syndicate room. The representative of ADEPTA Bertrand Queveremont said that university could enhance their potential in relevant field of livestock sector and taking benefit from Australian's experiences and modern research.
The other members of the delegation were Paul Koerhuis, Gregoire Pascal, Guy Delhomme, Gilbert Le Calvez, Pierre Philippe who were representing different livestock sector companies. At a meeting with the Acting vice-chancellor, which was attended by dean faculty of veterinary sciences Professor Dr Nasim Ahmad, dean faculty of bio-sciences Professor Dr Ijaz Ahmad, director institute of biochemistry and biotechnology Professor Dr Masroor Elahi Baber, director university diagnostic lab Professor Dr Masood Rabbani, director quality operation lab Dr Atif Hanif and UVAS Registrar Dr Kamran Ashraf were present on the occasion.
Responding to Australian parliamentary members' question about livestock welfare and total share of GDP, Professor Dr Nasim said the vibrant role of livestock sector was contributing approximately 53.2 per cent of the agriculture value-added and 11.4 per cent to national GDP. Despite a plethora of challenges, he said, the livestock industry was surprisingly growing by 4.1 per cent and cattle population had grown up to 65 million in 2009-2010.
He said the varsity was making untiring efforts to provide quality education within limited available resources. Earlier, UVAS Acting vice-chancellor Professor Dr Nasim Ahmad briefed the delegation about the chronicle of veterinary school that had now become a country's prestigious university. He said this institution was imparting quality veterinary education in Lahore for the last 129 years.