Secretary Livestock visits PLDDB

Lahore: The Secretary Livestock and Dairy Development, Muhammad Irfan Elahi visited the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB). The Chief Executive of PLDDB,briefing, regarding the activities of the Board. While informing about its various projects, aimed at upliftment of the rural youth, the Chief Executive informed that, in the first phase and the second phase, as many as 286 young persons are working as Artificial Insemination Assistants, while 286 women are working as Livestock Extension Workers, belonging to Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Narowal, Bhakkar, Sialkot and Mianwali districts. He said that they all now working in the field after getting necessary training from PLDDB. He further informed that, during the last five months, these Artificial Insemination Assistants have performed the Insemination Overtaking of over more than 21 thousand animals, while the women Livestock Extension Workers have sold 75 tons of animal feed, whereas, in the third phase, the process of selection of more young persons in this regard would continue.

Maj. Gen. (R) Muhammad Ali Khan further informed that construction of Semen Production Unit is continuing in Khizarabad farm, which is aimed at promotion and survival of Sahiwal Cows, Nili Ravi Buffalos and other breed. He said that this Semen Production Unit would generate over 10 lakh doses of semen every year. Talking about the project of silage construction, he informed that the work on the project is being expeditiously completed, its machinery has arrived in Pakistan, while commercial production of silage would commence from September. Furthermore, special training is also being held for the promotion of silage usage among the cattle breading persons. About Khizarabad farm, Maj. Gen. (R) Muhammad Ali Khan informed that the Board has taken over the charge of the farm, while this farm would be transformed into model farm soon.

Later Secretary Livestock Muhammad Irfan Elahi inspected the first online Dairy Farming Guide in Pakistan, launched by the Board, under www.pakdairyinfo.com. The Secretary was informed that International Organization of veterinary doctors, which is World Veterinary Association, has issued special news, alongwith picture of the website team, in its monthly Newsletter, which reaches all veterinary doctors and veterinary organizations throughout the world. Secretary Livestock said that it is matter of great honor and pride for all veterinary doctors in Pakistan alongwith, the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board, that its news has been published in the Newsletter of World Veterinary Association. He said over more than 2 lakh hits at the website, during its brief period of two months, proves beyond doubt that the website is benefiting, not only persons from inside Pakistan, but throughout the world. Secretary Livestock further said that various projects of Board, aimed at promotion of livestock sector, are a hallmark, and, with the completion of these development projects, not only the betterment of livestock sector would occurred, but employment opportunities would also be generated. The Secretary appreciated the activities of the Board and offered his all out assistance in this connection.