March 2, 2004

 

 

Pakistan To Boost Shrimp And Dairy Farming

 

Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Sardar Manzoor Khan Panhwar said that shrimp farming and dairy farming were being developed on priority basis in Sindh.

 

This was stated by the minister while speaking at a meeting, organised by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), at a local hotel.

 

He said China and Iran have been asked to help improve the shrimp farming and experts from Iran are likely to visit Pakistan for the purpose shortly.

 

Manzoor said that federal government has agreed to provide land for shrimp farming and value addition processing.

 

Acting President, KCCI, Hamid Nisar in his welcome speech called for measures for development of livestock and development of aqua culture techniques on modern lines.

 

He stressed establishment of modernised hatchery for shrimps in view of the demand of shrimps and other value-added seafood.

 

Hamid Nisar maintained that modernisation of fish harbours and improvement of local trawlers and boat building would help enhance capacity of seafood catch.

 

He urged the government to formulate realistic policies, which should be instrumental to encourage public-private partnership in the projects in livestock sector.

 

Hamid expressed concern on recent upheaval faced by the poultry farming in the country particularly in Sindh.

 

Manzoor underlined the need of training of fishermen and sought Chamber¡¯s suggestions and practical help in planning the training programmes.

 

He said that the facility of training and necessary education should be provided to the fishermen on board of the catching ships and boats since they pass most of their life there.

 

There was no institute for training and there were no experts for training and help improve shrimp catching and for the development of value addition processing plant in this sector, minister said.

 

Manzoor pronounced that there was no poultry disease harmful to human body in Sindh. The diseases of common nature did exist but they had already been checked through vaccination. Very effective vaccines are prepared in the country for poultry diseases, he told.