Tika Deputy Coordinator, Islamabad Office, Muhammad Ismai inspects goats before distribution. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan along with Dean Prof. Dr. Laeeq Akbar Lodhi also seen in the pic

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad in collaboration with Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has distributed 30 goats among six low-income landless women farmers with five goats (four female, one male) each as a step toward poverty alleviation. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and Deputy Coordinator, Islamabad Office, Muhammad Ismail handed over the goats among the families. He was flanked by Faculty of Veterinary Science Dean Prof Dr Laeeq Akbar Lodhi and Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics Director Prof Dr Muhammad Ashfaq. Addressing on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said that in the first phase, as many as 48 families were already been given around 240 goats. He lauded the steps being taken on the part of Turkish counterpart. He said that such projects paved the way to end the hunger at the grass root level. Pakistan is the agricultural country where most of the population is associated with agriculture. He added the project also helps promote the best breeds of the goats that will increase the milk and meat productivity. He was of the view that such projects are the need of the hour when the country is facing the challenges of increasing prices and low income. Muhammad Ismail said that the both countries were enjoying excellent relationship based on brotherhood and religious values. He said that TIKA would continue its liaison with women who were selected for the project titled Goat Breeding for Reducing Poverty and Strengthening the Role of Women in Rural Areas. He said the TIKA had developed a cooperating mechanism for the state institutions and organisations, universities, non-profit organisations and private sector. The Tika works in 100 countries. He said TIKA shares knowledge and experience with many countries from the Pacific to the Central Asia and from the Middle-East to Africa etc. Prof Dr Muhammad Laeeq said that the UAF experts were working with the farming community to provide vaccination, health care and breed development of the goats. Prof Dr Muhammad Ashfaq maintained that the project will bring the fruitful result in term of economic and poverty alleviation.