File photo/Republica

POKHARA

In a bid to discuss scientific investigation into ecology-friendly sustainable livestock, the 7th international conference of Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries (SAADC) is taking place in Pokhara from Friday. According to the organizers as many as 400 veterinary doctors, animal and fishery scientists and researchers from 24 countries are taking part in the four-day conference to be organized by Nepal Veterinary Association.

The theme of the conference is “Eco-friendly Animal Production for Profitable Smallholder Farming”. Sustainable animal agriculture significantly contributes to local economy, livelihood, job opportunity, public health safety as well as food and nutritional security. Many forums across the world have emphasized the need of sustainable animal agriculture, especially in developing countries. The first conference of SAADC was held in Kunming, China in 2007 followed by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2009, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand in 2011, Lanzhou, China in 2013, Pattaya, Thailand in 2015 and Malang, Indonesia in 2017.

 Participants from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Oman, Israel, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, France, Czech Republic and Spain among others are attending the conference. Association Chairperson Shhetal Kaji Shrestha shared that the conference would dwell on the matters of veterinary, livestock health, livestock nutrition, grass production and Yak (which is reared in high hill zones) conservation for environment-friendly sustainable livestock rearing. He informed that they are also planning to discuss the effects of climate change on small farmers of developing countries and the measures to mitigate its risks. Total 161 papers would be presented in the conference, said Dr Ganesh KC, joint-secretary of Association Gandaki.