A flock of Makhi Cheeni goats near Hasilpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan (photo credit: ILRI/M Sajjad Khan).

‘Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Nadeem Amjad stated that livestock was the future of the country’s poor farmers with small lands. . . .

‘Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Taimur Talpur inaugurated the shed as chief guest of the seminar.

The advisor appreciated the initiatives taken by the International Livestock and Research Institute (ILRI) with coordination of PARC’s Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Umerkot.

ILRI representative Dr Muhammad Islam presented the overall view of AIP in Pakistan, including Sindh, while PARC member Dr Shahid Rafiq briefed about the livestock production systems in Pakistan.

‘PARC Animal Sciences member Dr Razzaq explained in detail regarding the concept of small ruminant model farming in Pakistan. He pointed out that in the AIP, 10 model farms have been completed, of which three were located in Umerkot, Sindh. He emphasised for having at least 20 more with rearing, especially specific sheep/goats breed as nucleus flocks. . . .

‘Dr Nadeem Amjad and Dr Aamer Irshad planted Pitheclobicum dulce at AZRI farm. The team then presided to Kunri to inaugurate animals sheds under International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) at Pathanabad near Kunri, where local farmers constructed animal sheds on sharing basis (50% were paid by ILRI-ICARDA and 50% by farmers).
Each shed was made at a cost of Rs 700,000 only.

The main objective of the model farm was to demonstrate integrated model farm concept to small ruminant’s farmers for higher productivity linked with improved value chain system. In addition, development of integrated farmer participatory animal-fodder-range production approaches for proper benefits to the poor farmers.

‘It is anticipated that through these model farms, different proven technologies indirectly involved in small ruminants production like feed, fodder and range would be disseminated to the farmers at doorsteps. The development of linkages of farmers with quality service providers would also improve the overall production. . . .’

Read the whole article in the Daily Times (Pakistan): PARC terms livestock as future of smallholders in Pakistan, 29 Sep 2016.

The Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) for Pakistan is funded by USAID and led by CIMMYT, while PARC is the hosting partner. ILRI, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) and the University of California Davis are the key program partners. Read more about this project here.