Pakistani livestock, dairy sectors receive boost from Australian scientists

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SRINAGAR — Pakistan’s livestock and dairy farming sectors will soon receive a boost from Australian scientists working with their local counterparts, said a government official on Aug. 3.

“Scientists from Australia will assist Pakistan in the improvement of livestock vaccines [and] the academic curriculum for agriculture and dairy animal stocks,” said Livestock and Dairy Development Ministry Secretary Mohammad Ali Afridi. Scientists from the prestigious Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research are already working with Pakistani scientists under the Agricultural Sector Linkages Programme (ASLP).

The programme, initiated in 2007, began with the objective of transferring Australian knowledge and expertise to key sectors of Pakistan’s agribusiness to increase its profitability and enhance its export potential. The scientists involved have chosen horticulture (mango and citrus cultivation) and livestock (dairy) as the primary areas upon which to focus.

By the end of the programme, a number of small Pakistani farmers should no longer face impoverishment; the achievements of research and development will enhance their future productivity.

Last month, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani ordered the formulation of a national livestock and dairy development policy to increase the profitability of the sector, which constitutes more than half of Pakistan’s agricultural economy. The sector contributes 12 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and employs more than 30 million people.