The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Farm Dynamics Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd and Marta Asia (Pvt) Ltd for the promotion of climate smart agriculture tools and techniques for bringing farm efficiencies and research work of fodder crops here on Thursday.
The MoUs were separately signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha and Chief Executive Farm Dynamics Pakistan, Ahsan Mustafa Bajwaand and Chief Executive Matra, Asia, Anwar Ahmad Khan. The UVAS and Farm Dynamics Pakistan (FDP) will collaborate in adapting and promoting climate smart agriculture tools and techniques for bringing farm efficiencies and may extend it for the benefit of the farming community and improving rural livelihoods.
The FDP will provide technical assistance to UVAS for cultivation, production and preservation of quality fodder including Rhodes Grass, Ryegrass, Alfalfa & Corn. It will also support the UVAS in studies and research even in the areas related to its own products and services.
The UVAS will share any results, analysis methodologies employed and data generated during the course of such studies and/or research with the FDP. They will also collaborate in conducting farmer training programmes, seminars, conferences and exhibit stalls during their awareness programmes in relevant activities regarding farmers day. Both parties will develop a partnership for running pilot projects especially on women empowerment and small farmers through agriculture and livestock related activities.
The UVAS and the Matra Asia will coordinate in research work of fodder crops. The Matra Asia will provide seed for research work without any financial arrangements. The UVAS give equal opportunity to Matra Asia in research, product development and marketing activities held in UVAS campuses.
Demonstration of all crops dealing by Matra Asia will be available in Ravi Campus, UVAS. Matra Asia will help in academic research work of postgraduate & doctorate degree students regarding fodders (Planning, Production & Nutrition). Addressing the MoU signing ceremonies, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha talked about the demand and challenges of livestock sector regarding animal nutrition/grazing.
Dr Hassan Mahmood Warraich spoke about the objectives of the MOUs while UVAS Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Masood Rabbani, Dean Faculty of Biosciences Professor Dr Habib-ur-Rehman, Dr Imtiaz Rabbani and many representatives from industries and UVAS faculty members were present on the occasion.