This was stated by Dr Subhan Qureshi of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural University Peshawar (AUP), who is brain behind the starting of the initiative in 2011. DSP, a biennial event is being held regularly since the year 2011 is aimed at promotion of research and development in livestock sector, achievement of food security, promotion of national exports and creation of employment opportunities for the youth.
The DSP held in Konya beside, the host, Turkey and Pakistan was also participated by representatives from 20 countries including Peoples' Republic of China, Australia, Egypt, Nigeria, Niger, Iraq, Sudan, and other countries. From Pakistan a delegation of 50 representatives comprising experts of livestock and public health sectors and businessmen led by Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister on Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Arif Yousaf participated in the Dairy Science Park.
The members of the KP delegation was sponsored by different organizations including Sandia National Lab, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Punjab Agriculture Services while the participating Vice Chancellors were financed by their respective universities.
The event was especially attended by the Mayor of Konya who also inaugurated it and dedicated after the name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Talking to this scribe after arrival from Konya, Professor Dr Subhan Qureshi of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, AUP said that the purpose of the holding of DSP in Turkey was to spread their research work in the world and particularly the promotion of business and creation of employment opportunities. He said that Turkey first establish a national level Techno-Park and then establish such facilities in all universities and also formed their association to resolve problems relating to livestock sector forthwith and particularly established quality control, solar energy, IT and value chains to bring innovation in the sector and increase the income of the people. Qureshi said that during the DSP-2015 Techno-Park of Turkey signed memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with four universities including AUP, Veterinary University Lahore, Agricultural University Faisalabad (AUF) and Arid University Rawalpindi (AUR). Under that arrangement, he said 200 persons of the three universities including faculty members, students and industrial workers visited Turkey. The students were also adjusted in PhD programmes.
The DSP-Konya was divided into four sessions including bio-risk management, food security and ethics, Meat & Dairy Entrepreneurship and Animal Health and Technology. A total of 217 research papers were submitted during the event out of which some were even presented during the DSP.
The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said had already constituted a task force with Special Assistant to KP CM Arif Yousaf as chairman to seek funds and supervision of HEC and carried it forward through public-private partnership. He said that funds to be received from various channels will be utilized for the bringing barren lands under cultivation and revival of sick and closed industrial units and will also be provided for conducting research and provision of technology.
He said that all business activities initiated under DSP will be carried out according to Shariah based business and promotion of business friendly environment in the country. Subhan Qureshi said that during the DSP-Konya, the representative of the provincial government had assured all kind of cooperation for the project.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017