UVAS PR:  The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) in collaboration with USAID’s Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP) organized a seminar to review the progress of Center for Applied Policy & Research in Livestock (CAPRIL), its contribution to the livestock sector growth and to solicit input for development of its future work plan.

CAPRIL was established at UVAS with assistance from USAID PEEP to conduct evidence-based applied research on current and future challenges of livestock and dairy sectors. The aim was to deliver a demand driven, holistic and industry needs specific research for accruing economic benefits for Punjab.

The first-ever research to assess the adaptability of imported cattle in Pakistan conducted at CAPRIL has not only helped the government of Punjab identify preferred areas of growth in the dairy sector, but has also allowed the private sector, especially farmers, to explore business opportunities in this sector and make better investment decisions.

USAID Pakistan Mission Director, Jerry Bisson, Provincial Director USAID Lea Swanson, Prof. Dr Nasim Ahmed, Dr Amir Ghafoor Bajwa, Chief of Party USAID PEEP Muhammad Junaid and representatives from Punjab livestock department and UVAS attended the seminar.

“USAID will continue its support for the development of research-based policy formulations”, said Mr. Bisson, while addressing the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Party USAID PEEP Muhammad Junaid said, “Several recommendations of the policy briefs produced by CAPRIL have been taken into consideration in drafting the federal budget which was recently presented in the National Assembly. The policy documents recommended removing price caps on meat, enhancing the private sector role in dairy production and marketing, and developing the local dairy industry to ensure better nutrition, food safety and security for Pakistan.”

Prof. Dr. Nasim Ahmed from UVAS briefed the guests on UVAS recent engagements in research and civic engagements. He further briefed that CAPRIL had prepared fourteen research studies including policy briefs and produced the “Livestock vision 2025” document for Pakistan. Dr. Amir Bajwa, Associate Professor UVAS delivered an overview of the National Livestock Technology Park (NLTP) which is the brain child of livestock vision 2025.