SAU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujeebuddin Memon Sahrai in his opening remarks said there is need for promoting and adopting innovation, emerging technologies here in Sindh province, which is the second largest contributor of milk and meat products in the country.
He also briefed that SAU is establishing artificial and insemination centres with state of art labs for transfer of technology to conserve the breeds through artificial insemination. He talked about the livestock, which is the second largest source of income after agriculture and added that there is a need of technology to equip the farmers and livestock herders for adoption at gross root level for improvement of their socio-economic development.
Prof Mushtaq A Memon, a livestock specialist from Washington State University, highlighted that developed countries are adopting 60% artificial insemination technology and empowering the farming community for the improvement of breeds. He added that innovation in cattle breeds would be helpful for the farmers for their livelihood improvement and said that this training will be helpful for the farmers and his visit is to interact with farmers and see the progress.
He said presently many developing countries are doing efforts to promote artificial insemination (AI) to increase milk production. Pakistan is also doing well but there is need to strengthen coordination with livestock farmers, academia and veterinary doctors.
According to him, Sindh still has four-five percent artificial insemination, which needs to be promoted through further efforts. He claims to have frequently conducted workshops in the past and know the capacity of local farmers and veterinary professionals.