Collaborated research with China will be conducted to improve genetic potential of Neeli Ravi buffalo in order to enhance milk and meat production in Pakistan and in this connection a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be inked between the Chinese Royal Group Company (RGC) and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) very soon.
Talking to a 7-member delegation of RGC from China, Professor Dr Asif Tanveer, Vice Chancellor of the UAF, appreciated the cooperation in this field to achieve tangible results within the shortest possible time.
He urged UAF Veterinary Sciences experts to jointly work with the Royal Group to increase the production of buffalo milk. He said that Internship facilities would also be made available at the Royal Group Center Lahore, which will help them learn modern trends in the field of genetics.
Chen Yiyi Head of the Delegation and President of the RGC said that UAF is the oldest university in Pakistan in terms of agriculture and livestock, along with genetic improvement of buffaloes. “A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed very soon to start joint efforts to upgrade this special and exotic breed of Pakistan”, he said and added that the production of cow’s milk in China is already in line with the developed countries.
He said that large corporate farming units have been set up in china instead of small livestock farmers where value added products are being developed keeping in view the demand of the consumers. He said that Ravi Neeli breed of Pakistani buffaloes is known all over the world for its improved milk production and his group is planning to enhance its genetics. “It will pave the way for its export to other countries”, he added.
Expressing his views on the occasion, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qureshi, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, said that various projects have been initiated in his faculty in collaboration with different countries and institutions and he has joined hands with the Chinese group for buffalo breeding and genetics improvement.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Officer Estate Management Dr. Javed Akhtar, Professor of Agronomy and Director External Linkages Professor Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Chatha, Principal Officer Public Relations Professor Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif and Vice President of the Royal Group Company from Teng Cuijin.