An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi and the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) to promote collaborative initiatives in the fields of food security, nutrition, livestock improvement, and sustainable agriculture.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, Vice Chancellor of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, and Dr. Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Dairy Association.
Prominent figures present at the ceremony included Dr. Muhammad Zubair, Manager Operations at PDA, and Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Director Corporate Affairs at FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan, among other distinguished guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman stated: “This agreement is not merely a formality, but a concrete step towards sustainable development, food security, and the technical training of youth. The university is committed to enhancing the skills and capacities of farmers, food industry stakeholders, and dairy professionals through modern agricultural education and applied research. Addressing Pakistan’s food and nutrition challenges requires a strong partnership between academia, research, and industry – and this MoU reflects that shared vision.”
He further announced that the university will initiate joint projects and internship programs in collaboration with PDA, focusing on livestock health, advanced dairy technologies, value addition, and improvements across the food value chain – offering students world-class training opportunities.
Dr. Shehzad Amin emphasized that the Pakistan Dairy Association is fully committed to connecting research institutions with the practical needs of the industry. He noted that this partnership will become a model for other universities across the country to follow.
As per the MoU, both institutions will jointly work on research projects and organize training workshops in areas such as nutrition, livestock breeding, increased milk and meat production, waste management, and eco-friendly technologies.
The ceremony concluded with a mutual commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer – paving the way for agricultural development and food self-sufficiency in Pakistan.