The poultry industry is not only meeting the requirements of protein in the county but also helping address the issue of malnutrition that is hitting around half of the population.

This was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa while addressing annual event of All Pakistan veterinary awarding institutions at Iqbal Auditorium, UAF. He said that nutritionists had recommended people to consume eggs regularly. He said the inadequate per capita consumption of eggs in Pakistan was a cause of concern. He said that Prime Minister’s vision to flourish backyard poultry and livestock sector will increase rural people incomes, help in poverty alleviation and to address malnutrition. He said that lack of sufficient energy and protein in the food are responsible for the poor nutritional status of the people. A balanced diet is essential for good health, and productive capacity of the people.He said that the agriculture and livestock sector are the backbone of our economy contributing around 20 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. He said that the sector was working as the backbone of our economy. Dean Veterinary Sciences Dr Zafar Iqbal Qureshi said that protein had played an important role in the formation of balanced human diet. He said that UAF had successful run the projects of hens, goats and cows distribution among small farmers that resulted in poverty alleviation. He said that such projects are need of the hour to help out the poor farmers. Dr Misbah Ijaz and other notable also spoke on the occasion.