Within the framework of SESRIC’s Agriculture and Food Security Capacity Building Programme (Agri-CaB), the Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries of Malaysia, organised a Training Course on “Developing Livestock Production and Animal Husbandry to Foster Food Security” on 19-21 May 2021 through an online video conferencing platform.

The training course brought together 62 participants from the relevant national institutions of 13 different OIC member countries to strengthen their technical capacities on livestock management, including good animal husbandry practices, certification, meat inspection and auditing processes.

In his speech at the opening session, H.E. Mr. Nebil DABUR, Director General of SESRIC, highlighted that the rapid growth in technological innovation has led to significant structural changes in the global livestock sector, including the movement from smallholder mixed farms to large-scale specialized industrial production systems. He further emphasized that these changes have resulted in positive implications for the ability of the livestock sector to expand production sustainably in ways that promote food security, poverty reduction and public health. H.E. Mr. DABUR also stressed the importance of agricultural development in OIC member countries because of the critical situation of food security in some OIC countries.

In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Dato' Dr. Norlizan Bin MOHD NOOR, Director General of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of Malaysia, emphasized the role of DVS in controlling and eradicating animal diseases and zoonosis as well as ensuring that animal based products are wholesome, clean, safe and suitable starting from the farm to the table. He also expressed that DVS is glad to share its technical knowledge and enhance collaboration and cooperation with the relevant institutions in the OIC member countries.

This training course was conducted in line with the virtual solutions undertaken by SESRIC in order to better serve the Centre’s training activities and keep participants motivated and engaged during this challenging time of global crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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