ISLAMABAD: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the federal and Balochistan governments, is making preparations for an integrated wool sector development programme.
A round table was organized here the other day to seek suggestions and recommendations for the best way forward in developing the wool sector in Balochistan, a statement issued here said.
Dr Hashim Khan Populzai, Additional Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research, opened the conference and highlighted the importance of wool in developing the rural economy of Balochistan.
Patrick T Evans, FAO Representative to Pakistan, informed the participants that wool has a high potential for development in Balochistan and how this important resource can be used to improve livelihoods of rural farmers including women. He invited the participants to make practical recommendations for development of the wool value chain in Balochistan.
Siddique Mandokhel, Secretary Livestock, Balochistan highlighted some of the problems being faced by the livestock sector in Balochistan especially in marketing and getting fair prices of their produce. He said “Balochistan is well known for its livestock. Wool value chain development will facilitate economic development and is an important step towards development of Pakistan.”
Experts made presentations giving insights on animal husbandry, added value activities, gender perspective and mechanical shearing. Women farmers along with men from Balochistan were also present in the conference and shared their experiences and issues faced by them.
Shazia and Saleema- two women from village Qambrani and Sraghurgai, travelled from Quetta to narrate and share their experiences and described how the training received from FAO Project enabled them to contribute to their household income.
