International Collaboration of Ghazi University with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The Vice Chancellor of Ghazi University, D.G. Khan, Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad attended a “workshop & launching ceremony on Food Control System Assessment for Pakistan” on February 3rd, 2025, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Planning Commission, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, held at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad.

Meeting Participants:

Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad had a meeting with Florence Rolle (FAO Representative in Pakistan), Catherine Bessy (Senior Food Safety Officer, FAO, Rome), and Aamer Irshad (South Asia FAO Representative), in the presence of:

• Dr. Sagheer Atta, Director ORIC-GU
• Dr. Muhashar Nadeem, Assistant Professor of Agronomy-GU
• Dr. Muhammad Rehan, Climate Expert

Key Discussion Points:

1. Green Climate Fund (GCF)

• Discussions on potential projects under the Green Climate Fund.
• Opportunities for funding and collaboration with FAO were explored.

2. Livestock and Range Management in Dera Ghazi Khan

• Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad proposed focusing on livestock and range management in the Dera Ghazi Khan region.
• The proposal aimed to improve sustainable livestock practices and range management.
• Florence Rolle expressed strong support for the idea and showed keen interest in collaborating on this initiative.

3. Development of Local Breeds of Goats in Dera Ghazi Khan

• Dr. Aamer Irshad and Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad emphasized the need for the conservation and development of indigenous goat breeds in the region.

Action Items:

• Further exploration of funding opportunities through the Green Climate Fund.
• Detailed proposal development on livestock and range management in Dera Ghazi Khan.
• Research and strategic planning for the development of local goat breeds.