Nestlé Pakistan and Department of Agriculture, Punjab Government (DOA) has signed a commitment of cooperation on developing fodder varieties and guiding farmers on best practices. Agriculture department research facilities have led important breakthroughs in identifying efficient and high quality fodder varieties for farmers, while Nestlé Pakistan with its outreach to a 100,000 farmers across Punjab can help ensure that this knowledge reaches our farmers and result in higher yields and prosperity for them.
The dairy sector contributes 11% to Pakistan's GDP. There is ample opportunity in this sector for improvement and growth, especially to improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers by strengthening the dairy value chain.
The focus on diary sector has shed light on the key role of fodder in reducing the cost of milk production for our farmers. On average, 60 percent of a farmer’s gross income goes towards covering the cost of feed and fodder. Reducing the cost of fodder can lead to a significant increase in profit margins for dairy farmers. This public-private partnership will provide access to and train farmers on growing high quality, nutritious fodder with a relatively lost cost of sowing and growing. This will help increase their per acre yield and reduce their costs of milk production.
An important area of awareness raising will be a focus on the Alfalfa variety of fodder which is high in protein and requires considerably less amount of water, resulting in much needed water conservation. Demo farms will be created to help farmers understand the benefits of Alfalfa and helps increase in demand.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Agriculture Department Capt (R) Muhammad Mahmood Rai said: “We appreciate that private sector led growth is the only sustainable way to improve the economic situation of the country and the government aims to facilitate the private sector in this regard. DOA and Nestlé will collaborate to develop Demo farms in Punjab with a focus to introduce new technologies and varieties in fodder. This collaboration will be instrumental in achieving mutually beneficial objective in development of fodder and other related crops.
Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “This partnership is part of our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our partnership with Agriculture Department is a long standing one, we’ve collaborated on various initiatives in the past; Drip irrigation in central Punjab. We are excited that this initiative will bring the much needed focus on fodder and its significant role in reducing the cost of milk production while ensuring quality”.
About Nestlé Pakistan
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company. It is present in 189 countries around the world, and its 328,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. Nestlé offers a wide portfolio of products and services for people. Their ranges of 2000 brands include local favorites like Nestlé Pure Life and Fruita Vitals. Company performance is driven by its Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nestlé is based in the Swiss town of Vevey where it was founded more than 150 years ago.
For further information, please contact:
Zara Basharat
Corporate Media Relations Manager, Nestlé Pakistan
Cell: 042-35988138
Email: [email protected]
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