PARC, LDDB sign MoU to promote livestock

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Livestock sector including poultry contributes significantly 11.2% and 60.5% in national and agricultural GDP of Pakistan, respectively. Despite having large inventory of livestock and poultry, the availability of animal protein in term of milk, meat and egg is far less than the standard quantity required for the rapidly growing human population. Recognizing the importance of this sector, PARC is taking steps under PM Initiative program in collaboration with (Livestock and Dairy Development Board) L&DDB.

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) has signed a MoU to develop and implement joint research and for exchange of scientific and technical expertise in livestock and dairy development sector. A delegation from Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) headed by Dr. Fateh Ullah, Chief Executive Officer, LDDB visited PARC HQs for the purpose.

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is the apex national organization in Pakistan working in close collaboration with public and private sector institutions in the country to provide science based solutions for the development of agriculture in Pakistan whereas Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) is meant to promote and facilitate development of dairy, meat, poultry and allied livestock in the country to achieve the potential of livestock sector in Pakistan. LDDB is also working for poverty reduction of rural and economic growth in Pakistan.

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) will exchange, ideas, skills and techniques on problems of national interest. Research and development activities under Refinement of Feedlot Fattening Ration for Cattle and Buffalo Calves is also included under the initiatives of MoU. Under the project titled “Prime Minister’s Initiative for Back Yard Poultry” monitoring of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease and improving productive performance of Backyard Poultry through Propagation of Superior Hybrid Poultry Birds are also areas of cooperation between the both parties.

Dr. Fateh Ullah, Chief Executive Officer, LDDB appreciated PARC efforts in agriculture sector especially in livestock and dairy development sectors and also thanked Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman PARC who has kindly consented to get MoU signed between Livestock and Dairy Development Board and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). On the occasion, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman, PARC also expressed that Food security and poverty alleviation can be achieved through development in farming because more than 70% of population of Pakistan is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture or related businesses that includes fish farming, livestock rearing, poultry and vegetable production. Investing in farming is the most sustainable way to make much out of the less. It is the way to feed the food-insecure masses and alleviate the poverty.