JICA Delegation and Sindh Government Strengthen Cooperation for Livestock Genetic Improvement
Imran
Karachi, February 26, 2025 – A high-level meeting between the delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Muhammad Ali Malkani, was held today to discuss enhanced cooperation in livestock genetic improvement in Sindh. The meeting focused on the ongoing JICA technical cooperation project aimed at improving the Kundhi Buffalo breed to enhance milk production and increase farmers’ income.
The JICA delegation included Dr. Yumi Kirino, Miss Yumiko Fukushima, Reika Hakamada, Amir Bukhari, and the livestock department team included Dr. Nazir Hussain Kalhoro DG Sindh Institute of Animal Health (SIAH), Dr. Ali Akhtar Shahani, Dr. Rafiq Memon, and Dr. Abdullah Sethar and others attended the meeting.
The project, titled “Technical Support for Livestock Genetic Improvement in Sindh (Kundhi Buffalo),” spans from 2023 to 2026 and is being implemented in collaboration with the Directorate of Animal Breeding, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Sindh. The initiative aims to strengthen key functions such as pedigree registration, milk yield testing, frozen semen production, and artificial insemination (AI).
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani highlighted the Sindh Government’s commitment to modernizing the livestock sector and leveraging international expertise to introduce scientific breeding techniques for improved productivity and economic upliftment of local farmers. He acknowledged the significant role of genetic improvement in ensuring sustainable livestock development and emphasized the need for continued efforts in breed selection, artificial insemination, and farmer training programs.
The JICA delegation provided insights into the progress of the project and discussed the selection of high-yielding buffaloes, registration of breeders, and specialized training for milk inspectors. They also elaborated on the importance of enhancing artificial insemination services through capacity building for AI technicians, the production and distribution of high-quality frozen semen, and demonstrating AI’s effectiveness in improving conception rates. Furthermore, the delegation underscored the necessity of sustaining progress made under past JICA initiatives, particularly through training programs, the adoption of breeding calendars, and the introduction of sustainable practices such as the calf salvation initiative, which aims to prevent the early slaughter of valuable buffalo calves. The Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani asked JICA delegation to expand the scope of this initiative and continue their technical cooperation. He also hinted that the pedigree registration, and milk yield testing initiative would also be included the assistance from the World Bank.
Minister Malkani appreciated JICA’s continued support and stressed the importance of long-term genetic improvement programs to ensure higher milk yields, better breed quality, and sustainable livestock development in Sindh. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in the livestock sector to boost productivity and create economic opportunities for farmers across the province.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing their commitment to strengthening cooperation and implementing effective strategies for livestock genetic improvement in Sindh.
