Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) and University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences have signed a memorandum of understanding to share technical and institutional support for the development of dairy sector in Pakistan. The MoU was signed by UVAS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz and PLDDB CEO Major General Muhammad Ali Khan (Retd) at the university, says a spokesman here on Friday.
The MoU will primarily engage both parties in collaborative and co-operative efforts aimed at improving livestock sector, dairy development and conserving the inhabitant breed - Shiwal and Cholistani cows - through professional knowledge. Speaking on the occasion, UVAS VC Professor Nawaz said the objective of signing the MoU would be to provide technical support to small farmers and enabling them become self-sustaining in the long run. He said the university's prime objective was to conduct indigenous research and train human resource that could employ modern techniques and get high yield of livestock. He hoped that this joint venture would usher in a new development to enhance public private partnership.
The VC also stressed that documentation and record-keeping of animals should be ensured. Referring to attainment of Embryo Transfer Technology, he stressed the need for setting up of genomic bank and collecting and preserving quality semen. PLDDB CEO Major General Khan said the board was established by the Punjab government with a mandate to profitably grow the livestock sector. He said the board was working on many projects including setting up of Centre for Conservation and Development of Sahiwal and Cholistani Breeds; Model Project for Provision of Natural Milk through Automated Milk Dispensers; Strengthening of Artificial Insemination Services through Skill Development of Rural Youth and Promotion of Hay and Silage Making.