LAHORE: The stocktaking event, “Greening and Scaling Sustainable Solutions in Pakistan’s Dairy Sector,” hosted at Palace Hall, PC Hotel, Lahore, marked a pivotal juncture for Pakistan’s dairy industry.

The event, convened by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) in consultation with SUN Movement Pakistan supported and key partners, celebrated significant strides in sustainable dairy initiative.

The “Whey2Value” project, facilitated by GAIN in collaboration with the SUN Business Network (SBN) and the SUN Movement (MoPDSI) Pakistan, aims to convert whey water into a sustainable food product, addressing environmental concerns (by reducing waste) and generating economic and social benefits. The project has formed a consortium of partners, leveraging the “SHARP” Model to collaboratively develop sustainable whey-based dairy products.

The event commenced with remarks of the representative of the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives (MoPD&SI) highlighting the critical role of sustainability in the dairy sector, followed by Country Director Ms Farrah Naz of GAIN Pakistan, articulating the objectives of the event, emphasizing collaborative efforts.

The event also featured insightful sessions by industry leaders including Rao Imran from Fauji Foods Limited, Usman from Ajmair Food Private Limited, and Abdullah from Remington Pharmaceuticals, sharing their experiences of collaborations in implementing sustainable practices.

Ms Charlotte Pedersen from GAIN, Denmark presented that the Whey2Value Project offered a comprehensive view of the global context, challenges, and crucial learnings from Phase 1, integrating a strategy for Phase 2 that prioritizes nutrition, affordability, and sustainability.

Distinguished speakers including representative from the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) Dr Shehzad Amin, who showed keen interest and vowed to be part of the project activities, representative from Arla Food Ingredients, Denmark; representative from GCFU, and representative from SMC-Pvt Ltd delved into the handling of underutilized bi streams/side streams during cheese processing, prospects, environmental sustainability, and integration of human rights due diligence in sustainable practices within the dairy industry.

The Senior Policy Advisor, GAIN Pakistan highlighted that GAIN envisions a transformative shift in the food system, striving for inclusive, sustainable, and nutritious solutions that resonate with global sustainability objectives. Their vision embraces innovation to create resilient and healthier food systems, ensuring access to nutritious food for all.

Closing remarks of the event were given by Prof. Dr. Jawed Akram Minister for Health and Social Welfare and Baitulmal Department of Punjab, he stressed on making milk products affordable for all consumers and appreciated the cause on which GAIN, PDA and other stakeholders are working.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 23 2023

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