GRIDD Mandi Bahauddin Launched, CEO GCLI Addressed the Seminar
Livestock Department Punjab, in collaboration with the Livestock and Dairy Development Board Islamabad, organized a comprehensive awareness and training seminar at the District Council Hall in Mandi Bahauddin. The seminar was held as part of the Grassroots Incentivized Dairy Development Project (GRIDD) and the Herd Transformation Program of Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (GCLI). GRIDD Mandi Bahauddin focused on farmers support and awareness.
On this occasion, CEO GCLI Brig (R) Ehtisham Younas, Colonel (R) Abdul Rehman Qureshi, Dr. Zahid-ul-Qudoos Bhutta, Dr. Asma, and Additional Director Livestock Dr. Zia Ullah Gondal, along with other experts, addressed the participants.
During the event, farmers presented their concerns and demanded the installation of milk chillers, expansion of the milk collection system, strict action against adulterated milk, and the fixation of milk prices according to production costs.
Herd Transformation Program
The speakers particularly highlighted the Herd Transformation Program, explaining that under the efforts of the Government of Punjab, gender-sorted straws of both local and imported breeds are being provided on subsidy in ten districts of Punjab. Additionally, in selected districts, registered farmers under the progeny testing program are also receiving this facility. The aim of this initiative is to increase the population of high-quality breeds and improve productivity.
GRIDD Mandi Bahauddin and other GCLI Initiatives
CEO Green Corporate Livestock Initiative Brig (R) Ehtisham Younas stated that GCLI is working on modern gender-sorting laboratories, the Herd Transformation Program, tagging and traceability systems, and other advanced initiatives. He further shared that GCLI has imported world-class breeding bulls from the United States, Brazil, and Australia, including top dairy and beef breeds. Local breeds have also been incorporated into the program. High-quality gender-sorted artificial insemination doses derived from these animals are being provided to farmers to elevate breeding standards to an international level.
He also mentioned that GCLI is making efforts to develop local vaccine production to strengthen disease prevention in livestock. CEO GCLI added that the Grassroots Incentivized Dairy Development GRIDD project is an integrated model for small farmers. It is connecting them with various stakeholders in the value chain. Livestock Department is providing health, breeding, and other technical services.
He assured farmers that every possible support will be extended to resolve their issues. GCLI will continue working with farmers for the development of the dairy sector.
Farmers’ Interest in GRIDD Mandi Bahauddin
A large number of farmers attended the seminar, gained modern knowledge, and expressed strong commitment to increasing their production and income. It was emphasized at the conclusion that such initiatives play a key role in strengthening the rural economy, creating employment opportunities, and promoting the dairy and livestock sector in the country. On this occasion, CEO Green Corporate Livestock Initiative Brig (R) Ehtisham Younas, along with other officials, also distributed free medicines among farmers on behalf of GCLI and the Livestock and Dairy Development Board.
