The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) on Thursday distributed 30 goats among six low-income landless women farmers as a step towards poverty alleviation.
UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and TIKA Deputy Coordinator Muhammad Ismail handed over the goats.
Speaking on the occasion, the UAF VC said as many as 48 families had been given 240 goats in the first phase of the project.
He said such projects helped end hunger.
“Pakistan is an agricultural country. Most of the population is dependent on agriculture,” he said.
He said the project would also help promote the best breeds of goats to increase milk and meat production.
He said he was of the view that such projects were the need of the hour.
Muhammad Ismail said the two countries enjoyed excellent relations based on shared religious values.
“The TIKA will continue its liaison with women who have been selected for the project titled Goat Breeding for Reducing Poverty and Strengthening the Role of Women in Rural Areas,” he said.
Prof Dr Muhammad Laeeq said experts at the UAF were working with the farming community to provide vaccination, health care and breed development of goat breeds.
Prof Dr Muhammad Ashfaq said the project would help alleviate poverty.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2013.