LAHORE (30-05-25): Faculty of Animal Production & Technology of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore in collaboration with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) observed World Milk Day with the theme of ‘Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy” here on Friday in City Campus.
Various activities including a seminar, advocacy session, introduction of project whey to value, whey utilization global perspective & option, documentary on whey to value, panel discussion unlocking the potential of whey sustainable solution for a thriving dairy industry featured the day to create awareness about nutritional value of milk for human health.
UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Muhammad Younus (DLA.I, T.I) presided over the seminar while Dean Faculty of Animal Production & Technology Prof Dr Saima, Chairperson Department of Dairy Technology Dr Saima Inayat, Country Director (GAIN) Ms Farah Naz, Ms Tanazza Sadaf and a number of stakeholders from dairy industry, progressive farmers, representatives of farmer & Buffalo Breeder Associations, milk processer, faculty members & students were present.
While addressing the seminar, Prof Dr Muhammad Younus spoke about the importance of milk and said that milk is a priceless gift of nature and a complete food, even after birth a child is fed only on milk. He said that for the development of dairy sector in Pakistan we need to pay special attention to improving the breeding of local breeds of cows and buffaloes which will not only increase milk and meat production in the country but will also stabilize the country’s economy. Prof Younus said that organizing a seminar of this type is extremely beneficial for providing information to dairy farmers related to value addition and processing of milk products. He also appreciated the efforts of the organizers for organizing an excellent seminar on this informative topic and congratulated them for organizing the seminar successfully. He further said that he hopes that the seminar will also provide an opportunity for livestock farmers and students to learn about modern knowledge and practices from experts.
Ms Farah Naz said that it is direly needed to work on healthy nutrition, milk processing and value edition of dairy products to curb hunger and malnutrition issues in our country. She said UVAS playing vital role to boost dairy industry by utilizing its innovative knowledge & research.
At the end of programme a panel discussion was held where the stakeholders including President Dairy Cattle Farmers Association Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz, CEO Farmer Cheese Making Imran Salah, Ms Iqra from Punjab Food Authority, Mobin Adil from Bundu Khan, Prof Dr Arfan from University Diagnostics Laboratory, Country Director Gain Ms Farah Naz and they discussed on price de-capping of milk, in favor of standards accreditation, food safety and security, quality food, malnutrition & hunger issues, collaboration with public private sector to boost dairy industry in Pakistan. Imran Salah said whey will be use in the making cheese & toffee and it is also can be utilize in making animal feeds and yogurt. Earlier, Director Whey to Value project Dr Muhammad Junaid delivered a lecture to participants of seminar on whey to utilize dairy by-stream.
