USAID’s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (USAID-ERDA) organized specialized trainings for veterinary officers of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department and small-scale dairy farmers of the newly merged districts (NMDs), equipping them with modern knowledge and skills to enhance productivity and foster dairy sector’s growth in the province.

The first training on “Improved Husbandry Practices” was organized for 25 small-scale dairy farmers of NMDs. The training covered essential topics related to dairy farming, including animal nutrition, health and breeding management, efficient milking techniques, milk value addition and marketing.

Nawsher Ali, a small-scale dairy farmer from village Kurez, District Orakzai, expressed his views about the training, stating, “I am thrilled to put into practice the valuable knowledge and skills I gained from the training. I learned how to properly feed and care for the animals, manage their health and breeding, properly milk them, and effectively market the milk. By implementing these practices, I am now equipped to enhance productivity and profitability of my farm.”

The second training “Training of Master Trainers on Modern Dairy Farming” was attended by 15 veterinary officers of the department. The training was held at the prestigious University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, where the trainees gained advanced knowledge and practical expertise in modern dairy farming techniques. Dr Abdul Manan, a participant in the training, conveyed his views, highlighting the impact of the training.

He said, “As trainers, we can now share this valuable knowledge with farmers in NMDs, helping them adopt the best practices at their dairy farms. This will boost their farm's productivity, and profitability.”

Shad Muhammad, Chief of Party, USAID-ERDA, expressed his appreciation of these trainings and hoped that these will have a positive impact on K-P’s dairy sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2023.