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PDDC intends 10 more model
farms for dairy development
SHR Jahfery
Islamabad—Pakistan Dairy Development Company held a field day on one
of its Model Farms, located in Jhelum District. About 110 dairy
farmers attended the event, at which Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Chief
Executive of Livestock & Dairy Development Board, Geoff Walker, CEO
of PDDC, Dr. Iftikhar Babar, Deputy Secretary Ministry Industries,
Production and Special Initiatives and staff of the Special
Initiatives Cell of the Ministry of Industries were also present on
the occasion. The farmer has been in PDDC’s Model Farm Programme for
5 months. Upon joining, the farm was supplied with fencing, cooling
systems, water bore, and water troughs. But, most importantly, the
farmer gained access to the farm advisory service being operated by
PDDC to support its Model Farmers.
The CEO of PDDC noted that it was the technology transfer associated
with the Model Farm Programme which was most important – the assets
provided under the programme are there only to allow new and more
productive farm management practices to be implemented. He while
speaking to the farmers at the field day expressed the hope that
many more of them would join the programme, and that he was
confident they would get similar benefits. Walker noted that PDDC
has 6 farmers enrolled in its programme in the Jhelum, but that the
company to increase that number 10-fold.
Staff of PDDC, in the course of the field day, showed how milk
production on the Model Farm increased by 30% as a result of the new
farm and animal management practices. PDDC also gave practical
demonstrations of some its technology. These demonstrations showed
small scale silage production, ear tagging and mastitis detection
and treatment. The field day was also supported by Askari Bank, one
of the key partner banks working with PDDC on its programmes, and by
a supplier of cattle feed.
PDDC holds field days on its Model Farms in order to introduce more
farmers to its programme, and also to share ideas among its farmers
in the surrounding district. This is a traditional method of
advancing productivity among farmers in developed dairy farm
economies, including Australia and New Zealand. The Model Farmer was
most enthusiastic about the advances he has achieved since joining
the PDDC programme. He described the support he receives from PDDC
as excellent. His cows are healthier than ever, and his veterinary
costs have reduced. Milk production has increased, and his cost of
milk production reduced. Most importantly, his profit has increased
usefully. The farmer said that he was sure to invest more in his
dairy farm in future, as he knew that by following the
recommendations of PDDC, he would achieve a good return on his
investment.
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