Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of France Pierre Fourrier on Thursday said that Pakistan, being the one of largest milk producing countries, needs to develop value-addition dairy technology to bear the fruits from its potential

Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of France Pierre Fourrier on Thursday said that Pakistan, being the one of largest milk producing countries, needs to develop value-addition dairy technology to bear the fruits from its potential. He was talking at inaugural session of Cheese and Exotic Food Festival and the International Conference on Opportunities and Challenges in Dairy Industry arranged by National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad as part of ongoing Rabi Festival. He said that value addition was a way forward to find the place in international market. He said that Cheese production should be promoted in Pakistan. It will not only reduce the nutrient deficiency but also help in poverty alleviation. Talking about Climate Changes, he said that climate changes had started playing havoc with the lives of people worldwide. He said Pakistan was the most exposed country to the climate changes. He added that France was holding a massive summit on climate changes on November 30 in which 190 countries are taking part. He said it is the need of the hour to take the extra measures and joint efforts to address the issue at global level. About the Paris attack, he said that Paris was running through difficult times owing to worst terrorists' attacks on November 13 . He said that all-out efforts are being made to root out the terrorism. Talking about UAF, he said that France is enjoying good relations with the UAF in the area of research and academia. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that dairy industry in Pakistan is the most valuable but the least attended area which lacks value addition. He said that France was producing the best Cheese and we should learn from them.He added that the milk is being collected by milk men an it is not being processed. The unprocessed milk was containing contents mixed as preserver like urea which are hazardous for human health. He said that 50 percent of the country population was malnourished . He was of the view that 4 to 5 percent agricultural produces are being converted into value addition. Condemning the Paris attack, he showed the solidarity and condolence with the French people. Dean Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt said that dairy sector was facing challenges in collection and distribution of milk . It is handled by milk men, he said, adding that it does not contain safety and hygienic health measures. He stressed upon the need to increase per animal milk production at par with the international standards. He urged the students to become self employed and entrepreneurial skills. French Prof Dr Jean-Francois said that the Cheese contains the vitamin, protein, zinc and others. He said value addition was prerequisite to compete with the rest of the world. French Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Martine Herlem Hamidi, MPA Najma Afzal, Prof Dr Tahir Zahoor also spoke on the occasion. In the food exhibition, many companies installed their stalls that remain the centre of the attraction for food lovers and locals who thronged the University to have the delight of festivity . In the Cheese festival, different varieties of cheese from France and Pakistan were put on the display that attracted a large number of people.