FAO Balochistan organized a Workshop on Modern Livestock Extension Services

A workshop on modern livestock extension services was organized for the officers of the Livestock Department Balochistan under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO Balochistan. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Livestock Balochistan Sardar Faisal Khan Jamali, Secretary Livestock Balochistan Muhammad Tayyab Lehri, International Program Coordinator FAO Waleed Mehdi, Consultant FAO Dr. Muhammad Azam Kakar, Director General Livestock Balochistan Dr. Farooq Tareen, and senior officers of the Livestock Department.

Former Vice Chancellora Veterinary University Lahore Prof Dr. Naseem Ahmed, Dean Faculty University of Agriculture Peshawar Prof Dr. Sarzameen Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor Lasbela University Uthal Prof Elahi Bakhsh Marghzani, and veterinary Journalist Dr. Jassar Aftab discussed various aspects of modern livestock extension services.

Details about Livestock Department Balochistan 

Addresses at Workshop

Addressing the event, Provincial Minister for Livestock Balochistan Sardar Faisal Khan Jamali said that livestock plays a key role in the economy of Balochistan. The government of Balochistan is taking various steps for the development of the livestock sector. He said that there are highly qualified officers in the Livestock Department of Balochistan, whose capabilities are being utilized effectively, and various programs are being organized to more effectively utilize them. Sardar Faisal Khan Jamali thanked FAO Balochistan for organizing this training.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, International Program Coordinator Waleed Mehdi highlighted various activities of FAO in Balochistan. He said that we are working on the livestock value chain along with the conservation of water resources in Balochistan. The aim of the workshop is to enhance the professional capabilities of the field officers of the Livestock Department to make the livestock sector in Balochistan modern, sustainable, and climate change-adapted.

Workshop on Modern Livestock Extension Services

Dr. Muhammad Azam Kakar spoke in detail on the aims and objectives of the workshop on this occasion. He said that livestock extension services are of utmost importance for small livestock farmers. In this modern era, effective extension services are not possible without the use of modern communication tools. He said that FAO has specially organized this workshop under its program “Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP)” to improve the extension services of the Livestock Department and increase the capacity of the officers of the department.

Director General Livestock Department Balochistan Dr. Farooq Tareen said that this workshop is of utmost importance for the officers of the Livestock Department. He specially thanked the speakers from FAO as well as other provinces.

Discussion on Modern Livestock Extension Services 

During the workshop, experts discussed various technical topics in depth. Dean of the Faculty of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Prof Dr. Sarzameen Khan, highlighted modern extension methods keeping in mind the climatic conditions and grazing system of Balochistan. Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Prof Dr. Naseem Ahmed, discussed in detail various aspects of animal disease surveillance, vaccination, artificial insemination and balanced diet.

Lasbela University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Ilahi Bakhsh Marghazani termed policy formulation and institutional training as crucial for the success of livestock extension. He also discussed the methods of modern extension services in the context of Balochistan. Dr. Jassar Aftab highlighted various aspects of smart communication and shed light on various ways to convert scientific information into simple messages and convey it to farmers and other stakeholders through traditional and digital media.

Concluding Session and Panel Discussion

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion in which speakers and experts participated and discussed the challenges faced in the field, successful experiences, and future course of action. At the end of the ceremony, Secretary Livestock Balochistan Muhammad Tayyab Lehri appreciated the role of FAO and directed the officers of the Livestock Department Balochistan to apply the knowledge gained from the training in the practical field.

A special dinner was also organized in honor of the speakers of the workshop by the Provincial Minister Livestock Balochistan. Dinner was also hosted by the Head of FAO Balochistan.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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