Milk and dairy: ‘Focus on farmer profitability’

Conference on milk organised

LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) on Wednesday organised a conference on milk.

In a statement, the varsity said the initiative was taken in connection with World Milk Day. A walk, skits, a milk drinking contest, a documentary screening were also held to raise awareness regarding the importance of consuming milk, other dairy products and their nutritional value.

Speaking on the occasion, Livestock Secretary Nasim Sadiq sought the UVAS’s assistance to expose those involved in supplying and manufacturing adulterated and substandard milk. He also warned such elements of strict action.

“It is our responsibility to raise awareness about the importance of milk. Pakistan is among the world’s largest milk producers,” UVAS Vice Chancellor Talat Naseer Pasha said. He said the UVAS had a free milk-testing facility. Pasha also spoke about the nutritional importance of milk. Pasha said milk was the best beverage rich as it was in essential minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorous.

The vice chancellor said livestock constituted a major source of livelihood. He said the sector held the key to resuscitating the crisis-ridden agriculture sector. “We need to focus on small farmer profitability,” Pasha said. He also demanded a 100 per cent duty on milk powder and whey imports.

Later, the vice chancellor led the walk, wherein a large number of students and faculty members participated. Earlier, a study on the supply of unpackaged milk in Lahore was presented.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2016.