Veterinary institutes broach food relief role

The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore arranged an online meeting of deans and principals of veterinary institutes of the country on Wednesday in collaboration with the University of Education (UE) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) in connection with the HEC Flood Relief Campaign 2022.

The meeting was aimed at mobilising and seeking suggestions from the participants to contribute for assisting the flood survivors at the maximum level and provide them food, human and veterinary medicines, clothes, animal feed, seeds, kitchen utensils, juice and milk, mineral water and other necessary items.

UVAS Vice Chancellor Dr Nasim Ahmad and UE VC Dr Talat Naseer Pasha co-chaired the meeting.

Addressing the participants, Dr Pasha urged them to focus on the livestock sector to save animals of the flood-affected people and provide veterinary treatment and vaccination services at their doorstep in the remote areas with dedication.

He called for enhancing networking and communication with representatives of all agriculture and veterinary universities of the country for maximum contribution in the flood relief activities.

Dr Nasim Ahmad said livestock was the only source of livelihood for the majority of rural population. Due to destruction caused by heavy floods this year, the livestock farming community is facing economic losses.

He said there was also extreme shortage of food and animal feed in the affected areas. The participants praised the UVAS for striving to uplift the livestock sector and the farming community.

UVAS Flood Relief Management Committee Convener Dr Muhammad Ijaz gave a presentation on the university's initiatives in disaster relief activities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2022.