STAFF REPORT LHR: There is a desperate need to resolve the problems of small ruminants which are being facing in the areas of breeding, health, feeding, management and marketing.
These remarks were expressed by University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha at a meeting with a delegation of International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) led by Mission Leader Maleha Hussain.
On the occasion, they discussed the application of modern farming practices particularly for small ruminants in the remote areas of Leyyah, Bhakhar, Khushab and Mianwali districts on public-private partnership basis. The meeting participants agreed to launch a project to uplift the small holders and promote sheep and goat farming.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the university has earned Rs 25 million by producing combined oil-based HS and FMD vaccine for the province of Sindh. He said that a hefty amount is being spent in the import of PPR vaccine, which could be saved by producing the same indigenously. He said that abortions were being reported in large scale in sheep and goat due to deficiency of iodine, which should be addressed at various levels.
Maleha Hussain said that the IFAD wanted to contribute to improving the dairy and meat potential of indigenous breeds. For the purpose, she said, the IFAD wanted sustainable linkages with the UVAS.