‘Govt lacks funds to provide fodder to Tharparkar’s livestock’

'Providing fodder to seven million livestock [in Tharparkar] is a very difficult and expensive task'


Our Correspondent October 23, 2018
'Providing fodder to seven million livestock [in Tharparkar] is a very difficult and expensive task.' PHOTO: FILE

HYDERABAD: As the drought-stricken Tharis await food and fodder aid to endure the calamity, Sindh Livestock Minister Abdul Bari Pitafi has said the government lacks funds to provide fodder to Tharparkar's livestock.

"Providing fodder to seven million livestock [in Tharparkar] is a very difficult and expensive task," said Pitafi at a press conference in Mithi taluka of Tharparkar on Monday.

He acknowledged that the provincial government lacked the financial resources required to buy and later distribute the forage. He denied having knowledge of Sindh chief secretary's recent announcement to provide fodder in all calamity-hit districts in Sindh.

The minister, however, said that in view of the drought situation, veterinarians from different districts of the province have been posted in Tharparkar. He added that free medicines and vaccines will be given to livestock in need of medical care.

Sindh CM approves wheat distribution to drought-affected families

Pitafi accused former chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim of establishing cattle colonies in Tharparkar's non-feasible locations. He added that unfinished work of the cattle colonies will be completed soon to facilitate the breeders. "Uplifting the livestock sector in Tharparkar is essential to end poverty in this desert region," he said.

Responding to a question, he claimed that the big livestock animals have migrated from Tharparkar but small livestock animals, such as goats, have not migrated. Pitafi said the Sindh government has been fulfilling its responsibility, but Tharparkar is part of Pakistan and the federal government should also come forward to help the drought-hit people.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2018.

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