PSDF, FrieslandCampina join hands to develop climate-smart dairy skills in Punjab

LAHORE-- Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL), operating through the Pakistan-Netherlands Dairy Development Centre (PNDDC), to strengthen skills development and capacity building across Punjab's dairy and agriculture value chain.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Khan, Chief Executive Officer of PSDF, and Syed Saud Ahmad Pasha, Director Dairy Development for the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa at FrieslandCampina, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Akbar Hussain, Head of Digital and Green Programmes at PSDF, and Humera Iqbal, Programme Manager at FrieslandCampina.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will jointly design and implement demand-driven training programmes focused on green and climate-smart agriculture, livestock management, and dairy sector skills.

The initiative will target dairy farmers, intermediaries and other stakeholders across Punjab through both physical and digital learning platforms, while drawing on the expertise of national and international dairy and agri-tech specialists to promote global best practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF, said Pakistan's dairy and agriculture sectors possess immense growth potential, but unlocking that potential requires a workforce equipped with internationally relevant skills.

"This partnership will create pathways for Punjab's farmers and intermediaries to thrive in a climate-resilient economy," he said.

As part of the collaboration, PSDF will contribute its expertise in competency-based training by supporting curriculum development, competency standards and quality assurance frameworks for training interventions.

FrieslandCampina, meanwhile, will leverage its national and international partnerships, including links with global research organisations, to facilitate knowledge transfer, technical support and outreach to beneficiaries.

Saud Pasha, Director Dairy Development at FrieslandCampina, said the company is committed to bringing Dutch dairy expertise to Pakistan's agriculture sector. "We are working to bridge Dutch dairy expertise with Pakistan's vast agricultural potential. Our collaboration with PSDF is an extension of that mission, enabling us to build a future-ready skilled dairy workforce," he said.

The partnership reinforces PSDF's broader commitment to developing a skilled workforce for the green economy by equipping Punjab's agriculture and livestock sectors with the knowledge, technical competencies and sustainable practices needed to improve productivity, enhance value addition, strengthen climate resilience, boost exports and create better livelihood opportunities.