LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) has called for slapping 100 per cent duty on import of whey and milk powder to discourage its import.

The varsity, in collaboration with the Livestock and Dairy Development Punjab, organised a milk conference in connection with the World Milk Day here on Wednesday.

A walk, skits, a milk-drinking contest, a documentary on importance of healthy milk were held to create awareness about the use of natural milk, its nutritional value and various milk products.

Livestock Secretary Nasim Sadiq sought the UVAS support in exposing those who were supplying adulterated and fake milk manufactured from powder imported from abroad. He warned black sheep among the milk suppliers of strict action.

VC Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said: “It is our responsibility to raise consumer’s awareness about the importance of milk in their daily lives.”

He said the varsity had free-of-cost milk-testing facility in its diagnostic laboratory.

He said since livestock is a major source of livelihood of poor farmers and a key to revival of the crisis-hit agriculture sector, we need to focus on the profitability of small farmers.

He called for slapping 100pc duty on import of whey and milk powder.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2016