Punjab Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Asif Saeed Manais has said that Provincial Livestock Ministry is planning to initiate new projects in collaboration with the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) to facilitate the small farmers in the province. He was talking to the team PLDDB during his visit to the Board office the other day. Provincial Minister for Labour and Chairman Livestock Board, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar was also present in the meeting.

Livestock Minister said that Government has focused to facilitate the small farmers and that's why PLDDB has started many projects to cater this community. He further said that PLDDB silage project was a landmark achievement and beneficial project for small ruminants' holders in the Punjab. Saeed Manais said that PLDDB "Fodder Research and Development Cell" project is directly associated with the livestock feeding which will solve the fodder shortage problem in the province and will give a solution of low-cost animal feeding. He further said that this project will enable the farmers to use value added crops residues to reduce the cost of animal's concentrates.

PLDDB officials also briefed the Minister about other projects and initiatives of the Livestock Board. Minister admired the initiatives of the Board and advised the team to accelerate the working on Genetic Improvement Project to provide quality semen to the Livestock farmers for better milk and meat production in the Province. He also appreciated the efforts of CEO PLDDB Miss Saira Iftikhar, on the landmark achievements in a short span of one year and assured his all kind of supports for future when and where required executing any project in Livestock sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017