RAWALPINDI: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday said role of the poultry sector vital in ensuring global food security.

“Poultry is a vital pillar of our food economy. In the face of climate change, emerging diseases, and evolving challenges, it is essential to adopt sustainable and innovative approaches in poultry health management,” he said.

Addressing the inaugural session of two days international conference on Poultry Health Management (ICPHM-2025) at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi.

The minister stressed the importance of collaboration among nations and experts to promote better poultry welfare, sustainable farming, and food safety. He appreciated the participation of international delegates and researchers, stating that their insights and experiences will help unlock new avenues for global cooperation.

The federal minister reiterated the government’s and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research’s commitment to strengthening the poultry sector through policy support, innovation, and international collaboration.

Leading experts including Dr Doug Korver from the University of Alberta (Canada), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Younus, The arid university Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Naeem, Dean Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of the university Dr Arfan Yousaf, Jadeed Groups Chief Executive Officer Sohaib Javaid and Conference Secretary and Assistant Professor Poultry Sciences Dr Zaibur Rehman shared insights on the future of poultry science and sustainable practices.

The event featured scientific sessions, shield distribution, and networking. Earlier, pro-vice chancellor of the university welcomed all delegates, experts, and stakeholders for their participation and emphasised the value of their contributions in shaping actionable outcomes for the poultry sector.

In the conference, the experts will discuss viral diseases in poultry farming and methods to avoid this as per international standards.

Experts from United Kingdom and China will discuss on avian influenza viruses and Newcastle diseases virus evolution, vaccination and co-infections.

Conference Secretary and Assistant Professor Poultry Sciences Dr Zaibur Rehman said that the experts from Pakistan, China and Belgium would present their research papers on nutrition disorder and gut health in poultry farming and parasitic and bacterial diseases.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2025