Development of livestock sector can boost economy: Ismail
Pakistan is utilising only 20 per cent of its production capacity in the livestock and dairy sector, which is one of the most important sectors in the world, said Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Sunday.
The development of this sector is part of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for the country, he added.
The governor was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day ‘DALFA Cattle Show’ being held at the Karachi Expo Centre.
With the development of this sector, the country could earn a lot of foreign exchange, said Ismail, while lauding the three-day event for its role in highlighting the potential of the sector.
Read: ‘Innovation, research key to transforming livestock sector’
When PM Imran talked about promoting dairy and poultry farming in the country, he was criticised and mocked but the development of this sector can bring vast economic opportunities to Pakistan, added the governor.
He visited various stalls on the first day of the cattle show and encouraged the participants, appreciating high breed cattle, birds and other animals on display in different sections.
Speaking on the occasion, managing-director of Badar Expo Solutions, Zohair Naseer, said that the Dalfa Cattle Show was attended by delegates from across the country.
It is an important platform for farmers and companies in related fields for potential investment opportunities, claimed Naseer.
In a similar vein, State Bank of Pakistan deputy governor Sima Kamil said that the cattle how played a pivotal role in the agrarian economy.
If the political leadership and fiscal decision-makers work together to focus on agriculture, it would contribute to Pakistan’s progress, she added.
The opening ceremony on Sunday was attended by various dignitaries and diplomats from countries including Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar and Italy.
A seminar was also organised on the day to highlight challenges and shed light on modern trends in the livestock and dairy sector.
Citizens were enthralled by various animals at the exhibit while a food court and swings added to the merriment.
International Day of Forests Earlier, on the occasion of International Day of Forests the Sindh governor planted the first sapling of a forest to built at the Governor House using the Miyawaki method.
Also read: PM inaugurates Islamabad's 'first ever' Miyawaki forest
The forest, part of the premier’s one billion tree tsunami programme, is to have 1,260 different types of plants across one acre of land.
Ismail stressed on planting more trees in Karachi and appreciated the support of the Sindh Forest Department in the project.
Work is underway to plant more trees in other areas of the province, he said, urging the provincial government to build more forests in the metropolis, particularly along the Lyari Expressway.
Prayers for premier
A Quran khawani was also held at the Governor House on the day for the speedy recovery of PM Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, who are both infected with the coronavirus.