Camel research centres, milk processing units on the cards

Govt seeks cooperation of private sector in establishing the projects worth Rs100 million

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan government is planning to establish camel research centres and milk processing units in Musakhail and Washuk districts with an estimated cost of Rs100 million.

Livestock and Dairy Development Director General (DG) Dr Ghulam Hussain Jaffar told APP that the establishment of camel research centres and milk processing units was aimed at increasing camel farming and milk production in the province.

“Balochistan has huge potential in camel farming. There are around 700,000 camels in Kharan, Washuk, Lasbela, Duki, Musakhail, Zhob, Sherani districts of the province.

“In this regard, the provincial government will enhance cooperation with private sector to boost camel farming and milk production,” he said, adding that the initiative will offer a wide range of opportunities and prospects to locals as well as international investors to explore and invest in Balochistan.

Expressing best wishes for the livestock sector, he said the province had potential to export camels to gulf countries to earn foreign exchange.

“Strict measures have been taken at borders to eliminate smuggling of livestock to neighbouring countries,” he maintained, adding that businessmen were being encouraged to promote livestock farming in the province.

“The local farmers know very little about the modern animal husbandry practices due to which the province has low production against its capacity. They also lack proper healthcare coverage for animals, marketing system and extension services,” Jaffar said.

The Balochistan government has also approved a project to establish veterinary universities and hospitals across the province. Jaffar said lack of proper marketing strategy for livestock was a major issue hence for this purpose the government has planned to build a hide and meat market to help improve marketing standards of the sector.

“No doubt, the livestock development is linked with poverty alleviation as 70 percent population of the province is directly or indirectly linked with livestock rearing activities,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2020.