As many as 95 percent farmers in our country are not taking required steps for enhancing the agricultural and livestock production owing to limited financial resources and conservative rural customs, said Dr Qadir Bux Baloch, Agricultural Development Commissioner, Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He was speaking as a chief guest to the participants, hailing from the 26 districts of Pakistan, of the one-year Veterinary Assistant Course at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The course is initiated under the Special Program for Food Security / Crop Maximization Project-II costing 8 billion rupees. The session was graced by UAF vice chancellor Dr Prof Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Project Director Dr Massod A Rana, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Dean Dr Laeeq Akbar Lodhi, and Chairman Department of Continuing Education Dr. Mahmood A Randhawa. The course is aimed at creating a network for livestock healthcare service at the door steps of the farmers on sustainable basis.

Dr. Qadir Bux Bloach urged the course participants to take active part in their studies and apply modern steps to increase the milk and meat production. He lauded the efforts being taken by the University for the boosting of agriculture and livestock sector. He also appreciated the cooperation and education to the young generation in agri-related scientific disciplines and also catering the need of developing projects in the agriculture sector such as Crop Maximization Project.

Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan UAF VC pointed out that Faisalabad was presenting a deserted look a century ago saying that establishment of agri college and canal system given by British rulers turned the area into green land. He said under the one-year course, each course participant will extend his services to more than 5000 cattle amounting 400 million and can generate a huge monthly income. He urged the students of veterinary sciences to put their full efforts in studies and for the betterment of their field as the university is spending rupees 0.15 million on each student in a year. The Vice Chancellor appreciated the close collaboration with the ministry of food and agriculture for launching new projects and providing the professional trainings to the newly hired staff members as well as farmers community.

National coordinator Masood Ahmad Rana briefed the participants about the project objectives and said Govt. has set up a revolving fund of Rs. 4 million to facilitate the new business in agriculture and livestock sector. Prof. Dr. Laeeq Akbar Lodhi, and course coordinator Dr. Memood A Randhawa also spoke on the occasion.