Experts call for technology-driven livestock reforms at SAU-HOOPO seminar

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2026) Experts, academicians, researchers and entrepreneurs at a seminar jointly organized by Sindh Agriculture University(SAU), Tandojam and HOOPO Canada emphasized the urgent need to integrate artificial intelligence, climate-smart agriculture and entrepreneurship-based livestock systems to strengthen rural livelihoods and address the growing challenges of climate change, food insecurity and market inefficiencies in Pakistan’s livestock sector.

According to the SAU spokesperson, the seminar highlighted innovative approaches aimed at organizing small farmer households into clusters and linking them with modern livestock value chains under business-based agreements. Participants noted that such models could significantly improve access to high-yield livestock breeds, enhance milk and meat production and contribute to poverty reduction and rural economic stabilization.

Speaking at the opening session of the two days training workshop held at SAU’s Senate Hall, the vice chancellor Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal said universities must evolve beyond traditional degree-awarding institutions and become hubs of innovation, applied research, entrepreneurship and rural transformation.

He said the proposed “Graze-to-Own” model integrates students, veterinary experts, farmers, researchers and rural entrepreneurs into a unified ecosystem designed to increase productivity while creating employment and business opportunities for rural youth.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that digital monitoring systems, scientific livestock management, virtual veterinary support and climate-resilient practices could substantially improve household incomes in rural Sindh.

Representing HOOPO Canada, Ms. Shasta Carr-Harris announced that the joint initiative aims to establish 100 carbon-neutral villages across Sindh, with implementation already underway in six pilot villages.

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She added that the “Learn and Earn” program was enabling students and rural youth to engage in income-generating activities linked to climate-smart agriculture and livestock systems. According to her, the initiative has already supported 44 research-to-practice projects and several student-led start-ups.

HOOPO representative Nasir Qureshi stated that Pakistan’s livestock sector had immense potential, which can be significantly improved through the use of artificial intelligence, modern technology and community participation. He added that there were vast opportunities for youth to showcase their skills with better financial support.

Dean Faculty of Crop Protection and HOOPO Patron at SAU Prof Dr Abdul Mubeen Lodhi said collaboration with international organizations and innovative start-ups provides students and researchers with critical exposure to emerging technologies, applied research and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

During the seminar, Karachi-based start-up “Global Animal Passport” presented its AI-driven livestock biometric identification system. Chief Executive Officer Abdul Basit said the platform uses muzzle-based biometric recognition with up to 99 percent accuracy, enabling secure identification of livestock.

He said the system addresses key challenges such as animal theft, fraudulent trade and ownership disputes, while also enabling digital records of health, vaccination and age.

The event was also addressed by SAU focal persons Dr Abdul Waheed Solangi and Dr Khalid Hussain Dhillo, while Dr Manzoor Ali Abro, Malik Gulistan and Abdul Ghani Lanjar were also present.