From the desert: Livestock competition starts April 8

BAHAWALPUR: The Cholistani Buffalo and Camel Festival will be held at the Government Livestock Farm, Jugait Pir, Bahawalpur, from April 8 to April 11, Bahwalpur DCO Ehtasham Anwar said at a review meeting on Thursday.

This will be one of the largest livestock festivals in the area, he said. The DCO told officials that strict action would be taken against those responsible for any pitfalls in the arrangements.  Agriculture EDO Chaudhry Tanveer Ahmad and Livestock DO Rab Nawaz Kauser were present at the meeting.

The DCO said the festival would include several competitions.

“Such competitions provide cattle breeders incentives and rewards for good animal husbandry practices.”

He said the government needed to promote similar festivals all over the country. “Promoting the livestock industry will have a positive impact on our national economy.”

The DCO told officials of the Agriculture, Health and Forest Departments to set up stalls at the Cholistani Buffalo and Camel Festival where they could distribute pamphlets and raise awareness regarding some of the work the departments were doing.

The Cholistani Buffalo and Camel milk producing competition will be held on Aril 8 April 10. A Cholistani Cattle pageant and an event celebrating the indigenous cultures of Cholistan will be held on April 11.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th,  2016.