National and international veterinary experts have emphasized the need to establish a Livestock Breeders’ Forum and initiate research for the conservation of indigenous animal breeds of the country in collaboration with progressive farmers.
He highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable artificial insemination techniques and advanced technology to genetically improve animal breeds, thereby building alliances to increase milk and meat production and increase exports.
Addressing the closing session of the two-day Livestock Breeders Forum organized by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tando Jam in collaboration with Sindh Higher Education Commission, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that there are remarkable possibilities of government cooperation. are present Livestock sector
He proposed partnerships with neighboring countries for obtaining superior breeds of animals and recommended that grants be provided directly to farmers to improve the quality of livestock.
Opposing agricultural taxation without proper facilities, the minister described such policies as inappropriate. He also appreciated the active efforts of Sindh Agriculture University.
Muhammad Abbas Baloch, Secretary of Universities and Boards, stressed the importance of initiatives to address the critical livestock issues and urged institutions to facilitate direct market linkages for farmers.
SAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Fateh Murri, highlighting the economic potential of agriculture and livestock, said that these sectors can overtake industries in driving economic growth. He said that a 6 percent annual increase in productivity in agriculture and livestock could reduce poverty by 50 percent in the next decade.
He emphasized on focusing research on improving quality and productivity rather than just increasing the number of animals.
Sindh Higher Education Commission Secretary Moinuddin Siddiqui recommended promoting superior breeds through research and finding opportunities to export cattle, especially to countries like Saudi Arabia.
Speaking from the US Practitioner, Professor Emeritus Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Memon highlighted the reliance on modern technology in the global development of livestock and urged veterinary professionals and young experts to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in the field. Take advantage.
Progressive farmer Nazo Dhariju suggested extending such programs to rural areas so that small-scale farmers could reap their maximum benefits.
Sindh Minister for Social Welfare Mir Tariq Ali Talpur while addressing the second session recognized the important role of livestock in addressing economic challenges in backward areas. He encouraged universities, livestock sector and progressive farmers to provide guidance to local people, especially women, in this regard.
The forum included technical discussions led by eminent experts like D. Syed Ghiyasuddin Shah Rashidi, farmer leader Ghulam Akbar Dars, Syed Zarar Haider Shah, and Dr. Parshottam Khatri. The contribution of leading researchers including Dr. John Muhammad Marri, Dr. Chandrakumar, Dr. Aqeel Ahmad Memon, Dr. Ghulam Bilal, Dr. Mubarak Jatoi, Dr. Seema Baloch, Dr. Saeed Ahmed Soomro and others enriched the session with valuable insights and findings.
Key recommendations arising from the forum include the adoption of advanced genetic technologies and artificial breeding programs to enhance indigenous breeds, improve disease resistance, and increase productivity. Measures were also suggested to prevent premature slaughter of buffalo calves in collaboration with the district administration, departments and educational institutions.
The experts also recommended promotion of local production of soybean to meet the protein requirements of livestock and called for strengthening of embryo transfer laboratories and genomic facilities to produce high quality breeds. Subsidies for sex-selected sperm and embryo transfer technologies were proposed to ensure wider adoption of these developments.