Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Agriculture Ikramullah Khan Gandapur inaugurated the Livestock Business Facilitation Desk of the Dairy Science Park at the KP Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KPCCI), Peshawar.
During the inaugural ceremony, Zahidullah Shinwari, President KPCCI; Prof M Subhan Qureshi Dean Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences (FAHVS), the University of Agriculture Peshawar; Javed Hashmat, Chief Executive Officer, KP Board of Investment and Trade; Nasir Shah, Higher Education Commission; Gul Kiaz Bank of Khyber; Dr Umer Sadique Chairman Animal Health UAP, Hafeez ur Rahman President Sarhad Dairy Farmers Association; Dr Imdadullah Director Livestock and Dairy Development Department KP, Rashid Aman SMEDA/ITAC office, and heads of farmers association.
Zahidullah Shinwari welcomed the participants and the Chief Guest to the event and reviewed the cooperation between the KPCCI and The University of Agriculture Peshawar during the recent past.
KPCCI chief highlighted the issues faced by the business community regarding the prevailing situation of the law and order and hurdles in exporting livestock, poultry and other perishable commodities to Afghanistan. He urged upon a strong representation of the provincial livestock sector in the upcoming export show in Dubai. Prof M Subhan Qureshi thanked the President KPCCI for providing a physical shape to the thoughts of the professors and for actively participating in the international conferences and post-conference proceedings to make the dream true.
The Minister for Agriculture appreciated the progress made under the Dairy Science Park with the co-ordinated efforts of the University of Agriculture Peshawar and KP Chamber of Commerce and Industries. He realised the importance of the sector in jobs creation and food production.
The participants suggested allocation of funds for internship of DVM students, establishment of livestock colonies and special economic zones, simplification of the export procedures across the Pak-Afghan boarders, improvement of fruit and vegetable markets, and utilisation of farm services centers for livestock business development. Responding to suggestion of President KPCCI, President SDFA, Dean/Chairman, University of Agriculture Peshawar and farmers' representatives, the worthy Minister ensured his support through all possible measures within the given resources. For this purpose he suggested that a delegation may visit the office of the Minister with all supporting documents to make decisions on various matters.