MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN LIVESTOCK SECTOR

KARACHI 14 NOV : Sindh Minister for Livestock & Fisheries Abdul Bari Pitafi stated that traditional methods of farming were needed to be modernized so as to bring sustainable development in rural areas and added that every effort would be welcomed in this regard.The Provincial minister said this, while talking to Ms Shabnam Baloch, Provincial Lead Sindh Growth for  Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress ( GRASP)  Project at his office. The Provincial minister Abdul Bari Pitafi added that livestock and fisheries were key sectors of rural communities advancement but unfortunately our farmers were still practicing out dated ways of farming which produces poor yields. The Minister said for intervention and promote entrepreneurs in livestock and fisheries farming that would also help in uplifting the livelihood of small and medium-sized farmers and reducing poverty in the rural areas of the province. The  Minister pledged to support in the policy component to trickle down its effect to small farmers. Earlier while briefing, Ms Shabnam Baloch Provincial Lead Sindh Growth for  Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress ( GRASP)  informed that GRASP is  implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC)-  the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization with participation from implementing partners  to reduce poverty in Pakistan by strengthening  small – scale  agribusinesses in Balochistan and Sindh.  It focuses on the demand side: what markets , buyers and  consumers want, and then drills down to the supply side by equipping producers and the micro, small and medium-sized  enterprises with the skills, technology and services needed to meet that demand.It was discussed during the meeting that GRASP will provide support to the livestock department in devoting enterprises development policy for the sector, capacity building of department officials on legal framework issues around policy implementation 5 years strategy and action plan for the department. Support will also be provided in devoting modern curriculum livestock extension, support livestock entrepreneurs around quality and value addition of GRASP priority products.