Lahore, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore has partnered with Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to promote livestock development and improve the livelihoods of the farming community in Pakistan.

According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between UVAS and ZTBL aims to disseminate knowledge about the latest agricultural technologies and farm practices. The agreement is expected to increase livestock production and profitability for farmers. The MoU was signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad (SI) and Dean Faculty of Animal Production & Technology Prof Dr Saima from UVAS, along with President/Chief Executive Officer (ZTBL) Mr Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti and Head Planning Research & Technology Division Mr Tariq Mahmood from Zarai Taraqiati Bank.

During the signing ceremony, Prof Dr Nasim Ahmed emphasized the benefits of this cooperation for the livestock farming community, focusing on enhancing livestock production and profitability. Mr Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti discussed ZTBL’s objectives to support the livestock sector through loans, guidance, and advisory services, highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to the national GDP.

Under the MoU, UVAS and ZTBL will collaborate on conducting field days, seminars, and workshops to share the latest developments in livestock farming. They will also work together on joint ventures and research activities, including the establishment of demonstration plots and research trials on modern livestock and poultry. ZTBL will provide land at its farm in Islamabad for animal fodder research to UVAS students and offer internship opportunities.

Additionally, UVAS will provide information on progressive farmers trained in modern livestock and dairy value chains, enabling ZTBL to extend credit facilities to these farmers. UVAS will also share livestock and dairy-related data with ZTBL for the bank’s publications and assist in training and capacity building of the bank’s staff in improved livestock/poultry technology and entrepreneurship.