International Training Workshop on Recent Trends in Breeding & Genomic Technologies for Cattle and Goat started at NARC, Islamabad
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), in collaboration with the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), inaugurated the Two-Week International Training Workshop on “Recent Trends in Breeding & Genomic Technologies for Cattle and Goat” from July 13–24, 2026. The workshop is being held at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, under the KOPIA Korea Project, with the participation of 16 scientists and professionals from PARC, academia, and private veterinary practice.
The inaugural session was held on July 13, 2026, under the KOPIA Technical Cooperation Project titled “Breed Improvement through Efficient Artificial Insemination Services by Using Korean Holstein Semen in Cattle.”
Strengthening Livestock Sector with Advanced Genetics
The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s livestock sector by improving the genetic potential of indigenous cattle through modern breeding and genomic technologies. Large-scale adoption of these technologies is essential for accelerating genetic improvement, enhancing milk and meat productivity, increasing farm incomes, and contributing to national food security.
کورین سیکسڈ سیمن، گائیوں میں جدید بریڈنگ ٹیکنالوجیز کے موضوع پر انٹرنیشنل تربیتی ورکشاپ کا انعقاد
To build the technical capacity of Pakistani scientists, PARC organized this workshop as the third International Training Workshop under the KOPIA Korea Project.
Previous International Training Workshops under KOPIA Korea Project
The first workshop, titled “Modern Breeding Technologies in Cattle,” was conducted by master trainer Dr. Sung Jong Oh. It was followed by the second workshop on “Artificial Insemination & Pregnancy Diagnosis in Cow,” led by master trainer Dr. Jiwon Lee.
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Jobs
The current third workshop, “Recent Trends in Breeding & Genomic Technologies for Cattle and Goat,” is being conducted by master trainer Dr. Suh Sangwon. The training is designed to strengthen scientific collaboration and facilitate the transfer of advanced breeding and genomic technologies to Pakistani scientists.
Inaugural Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by PARC and KOPIA officials, master trainer Dr. Suh Sangwon (Animal Molecular Geneticist), and the 16 workshop participants.
The program commenced with welcome remarks by Dr. Haider Khan, followed by a comprehensive technical presentation by Dr. Muhammad Shafiq Haider titled “Overview of Two Weeks International Training Workshop.” He highlighted the key challenges to breed improvement in Pakistan’s livestock sector and discussed strategies to address these challenges. He also explained the objectives and expected outcomes of the training workshop.
KOPIA Reaffirms Commitment to Capacity Building
Dr. Aish Muhammad, Coordinator Projects, KOPIA Pakistan, expressed his satisfaction over the successful inauguration of the third international training workshop and highlighted the technical activities being implemented under the KOPIA project.
Animal Sciences Institute NARC – National Agricultural Research Centre
Mr. Park Intae, Director KOPIA Pakistan, reiterated KOPIA’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s human resource capacity in modern breeding and genomic technologies. “KOPIA’s mission is to transfer knowledge and technology that directly benefits farming communities,” he stated.
He emphasized that improving livestock genetics contributes to better farmer livelihoods and supports sustainable food production systems.
Chairman PARC Highlights Importance of Scientific Collaboration
In his keynote address, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman PARC and Principal Investigator of the project, expressed his pleasure in inaugurating the Two-Week International Training Workshop and warmly welcomed the participating scientists, academicians, resource persons, and international master trainer Dr. Suh Sangwon.
He highlighted that Dr. Suh’s expertise in advanced breeding and genomic technologies would provide valuable learning opportunities for Pakistani scientists and academic professionals.
Livestock Companies and Dairy Companies in Pakistan; Livestock and Dairy Sector
He stated that the workshop is the third international training program organized under the KOPIA Korea Project, reflecting the strong partnership between PARC and the KOPIA Korea Center. He emphasized that this collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening scientific capacity, promoting knowledge exchange, and introducing modern agricultural technologies in Pakistan.
Dr. Andrabi also highlighted the importance of adopting advanced breeding and genomic technologies to address the challenges facing Pakistan’s livestock sector, including low genetic potential and limited productivity. He emphasized that the workshop has been organized to enhance the technical capacity of scientists and academicians through exposure to international practices and innovative breeding approaches.
Appreciating the efforts of the organizers and the continued support of the KOPIA Korea Center, he expressed confidence that the training would strengthen scientific expertise and contribute to sustainable livestock development in Pakistan.
Vote of Thanks
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Muhammad Mansoor, Director General, NARC. He extended appreciation to the resource persons, trainers, and project teams for organizing a well-structured and impactful training program.
He also thanked the Chairman PARC, Director KOPIA Pakistan Centre, international master trainer, and all supporting staff for their valuable contributions.
The inaugural session of Workshop on Breeding & Genomic Technologies for Cattle and Goat concluded with a group photograph, refreshments, and a visit to the livestock exhibition at the National Agricultural Research Centre.
