Post-budget debate: Budget implications for livestock discussed

The vice chancellor said livestock was a major source of livelihood for farmers

LAHORE: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Vice Chancellor Talat Naseer Pasha on Monday chaired a meeting to discuss implications of the federal budget for the livestock sector.

Several faculty members and chairpersons of Poultry, Fisheries, Animal Nutrition and Meat Technology Departments attended the meeting that recommended an increase in import duty on whey and powdered milk by at least 75 per cent.

They said fisheries, poultry and red meat should be included in the zero-rated sectors. They also recommended heavy duties on the import of fish feed to strengthen the local industry.

The vice chancellor said it was the responsibility of universities to debate such aspects of the budget in the larger interest of society.

He said livestock was a major source of livelihood for farmers. He said it was the key to reviving crisis-hit agriculture sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2016.