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Preparations afoot for Horse & Cattle show 2015
APP
LAHORE - Brisk preparations are under way to hold the National Horse and Cattle show here at the Fortress Stadium from March 5 to 8. The country’s one of the biggest cultural events which was discontinued since 2004 owing to security concerns, will feature tattoo shows, tent-pegging, horse dancing, dog races, polo, equestrian jumping, exhibition of industrial and agricultural products, besides, competition of milk-producing among cattle breeders. Several departments and organisations will field floats showcasing their skills, cultures and various other activities. A human flag, motorbike stunts, and performances by several folk music bands and dance groups will also be held during the show. The show offers cattle breeders and enthusiasts a platform for healthy competition, recreation and celebrations at the onset of spring season. Over the last 40 years, the show had become one of the most popular events featuring the best breeds in the country and encouraging farmers to compete with each other and win prizes for the best animals. The first National Horse and Cattle Show was held in 1964 at the Fortress Stadium. The Show has since been held in 1979, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994 and 1995. According to Punjab Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, several committees had been constituted for arrangements. Various organisations, he said, were enlisted for organising various events at the show. Additional chief secretary and the local government and community development secretary have been assigned duties to supervise the events, exhibitions and festivities during the show, he said. Besides, he said that trading and agricultural exhibitions will be organised at race Course Park as a part of Horse and Cattle show. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-N central leader MNA Hamza Shahbaz Sharif said that the Punjab government’s decision to hold the National Horse and Cattle show after a period of 11 years has been appreciated widely, specially in the farming community. He believed that the show would not only encourage the agricultural community through exhibition of its products and cattle but also help document the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of the province and the country. Provincial Agriculture Minister Dr Farrukh Javed told APP that Horse and Cattle show was being organised to encourage and promote the farming community. He said that all possible facilities would be provided to the participants of the show. He said that special stalls would be set up where agriculture related products would be displayed. An official of livestock department said that a milk competition would be held among cows, buffaloes, goats and camels. The winners would be awarded cash prizes, gold medals and certificates, while the buffaloes producing maximum milk would be awarded a presidential award, Rs 100,000 in cash, a gold medal, a trophy and a certificate. He said that the department is utilising all its resources to make the National Horse and Cattle Show a recreational event as well, he said and added that the department had completed all arrangements.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk