The Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL)—operating via the Pakistan-Netherlands Dairy Development Centre (PNDDC)—to revolutionize skills development and build technical capacity across Punjab’s dairy and agricultural value chains.
The partnership was formally signed by Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, and Syed Saud Ahmad Pasha, Director of Dairy Development (Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa) at FrieslandCampina. Senior representatives from both organizations attended the ceremony, including Akbar Hussain, Head of Digital and Green Programmes at PSDF, and Humera Iqbal, Programme Manager at FrieslandCampina.
Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership
- Targeted Training Initiatives: Joint development of demand-driven, climate-smart training programs focused on sustainable agriculture, modern livestock management, and dairy sector technical skills.
- Hybrid Reach: Programs will combine physical workshops with digital learning platforms to maximize reach among farmers, intermediaries, and supply chain stakeholders across Punjab.
- Global Best Practices: The initiative will leverage national and international agri-tech experts to bring Dutch dairy innovation and international standards directly to local beneficiaries.
Strengthening the Green Economy & Local Livelihoods
Speaking at the signing, Ahmed Khan emphasized that unlocking the vast potential of Pakistan’s dairy sector depends on developing an internationally competitive workforce. He noted that the initiative creates direct pathways for farmers to thrive in a climate-resilient economy.
Under the framework:
- PSDF will drive competency-based frameworks, leading curriculum development, standard setting, and quality assurance.
- FrieslandCampina will utilize its global research network and international partnerships to facilitate direct knowledge transfer, technical guidance, and field outreach.
Saud Pasha reinforced the commitment to connecting Dutch dairy expertise with local potential, highlighting that the partnership aims to build a future-ready workforce capable of driving long-term agricultural growth.
By equipping the local workforce with modern competencies and sustainable practices, the collaboration aims to enhance productivity, improve value addition, build climate resilience, and expand livelihood opportunities across the province.
