SAU alumnus highlights Pakistan’s livestock sector at SCO conference

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Apr, 2026) A graduate of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, Dr Waseem Laghari, represented Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Youth Conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, highlighting the country’s progress in the livestock and veterinary sectors. 

According to a press statement issued here on Saturday by the SAU, Laghari was nominated and sent by the Prime Minister of Pakistan to represent the country at the SCO Youth Summit.The conference brought together young professionals and delegates from member states who presented papers and recommendations on innovation, food security and regional cooperation. Dr Laghari, an alumnus of SAU’s Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs, described Pakistan’s livestock system as a successful model of integrated farming, efficient protein production and rural development.

Presenting his paper at the conference, he said Pakistan’s mixed farming system effectively connects smallholder farmers with organized milk and meat supply chains, while the commercial poultry sector was rapidly expanding and playing a key role in food security and rural livelihoods.

He noted that Pakistan produced approximately 65 to 70 million tons of milk annually, ranking among the leading milk-producing countries, with per capita consumption of around 170 kilograms per year. The educationist added that the poultry sector remained strong, producing over 20 billion eggs annually.

Highlighting cost competitiveness, he said farm-level egg production in Pakistan ranged between Rs10 and Rs18 per egg, significantly lower than what prevailed in the Central Asian countries due to higher feed costs, climatic challenges and production limitations.

 He said the cost advantage created strong potential for expanding regional trade in poultry and livestock products among SCO countries.

Dr Laghari also emphasized that veterinarians in Pakistan were highly skilled and technically equipped to manage small and medium-scale farms as well as modern livestock and poultry operations, making them valuable human resources for regional collaboration and capacity building across SCO member states.

Speaking about the SAU’s contribution, he said the University played a vital role in producing competent graduates, strengthening industry-academia linkages and promoting applied research.

He proposed the establishment of an SCO Youth Fellowship Program to connect young professionals across member countries, promote knowledge exchange, support youth-led startups, and encourage cross-border collaboration in agriculture and livestock sectors. He also recommended increased funding for youth-led agricultural innovation, strengthening of veterinary systems, and promotion of farmer-friendly policies to ensure fair pricing and access to animal healthcare.

SAU's Vice Chancellor Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal appreciated Dr Laghari’s participation.He stated that the alumnus not only represented Pakistan effectively but also presented practical ideas, recommendations and startup-oriented solutions related to livestock, poultry and agriculture.