February 17, 2012

US assistance strengthens dairy, livestock productivity

In order to foster sustainable increase in dairy and livestock productivity, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has made a joint effort project with the Dairy and Rural Development Foundation (DRDF) through adoption of best farming practices, breed improvement and livestock business promotion.

In a ceremony held at the Lahore campus of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS). Dr. Salman Shah, Chairman of Dairy and Rural Development Foundation (DRDF) and Professor Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor of UVAS distributed graduation certificates to 24 master trainers.

The trained master trainers will deliver training to Dairy Project's beneficiaries' dairy farmers, women livestock extension workers and artificial insemination technicians.

The one-month long training was carried out at the UVAS Ravi Campus in Pattoki. The training module and curriculum for the master trainers was also developed in consultation and support from UVAS.

While talking to the graduates, Mr. Jacob Moser, Project Director of Dairy Project, said, "Due to the vital importance of livestock sector in the rural economy of Pakistan, the Dairy Project's extensive training programmes for dairy farmers, women livestock extension workers, and artificial insemination technicians, will play an important role in transforming livelihoods of rural communities."