CM calls for boosting livestock sector

Orders formation of committee on future road map

LAHORE:

In order to develop and promote livestock and dairy development sector on modern lines, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed the authorities concerned to constitute a committee to prepare a future roadmap in 10 days.

Presiding over a meeting to review livestock and dairy sector performance at the Chief Minister Secretariat on Wednesday, Buzdar underscored the livestock and dairy development sector of Punjab has a tremendous potential of growth and making farmers economically self-reliant. “However,” he added, “there is a dire need to pay attention to research and development (R&D) in livestock and dairy sector.”

Besides the R&D, the chief minister said there was a need to adopt the latest technologies and techniques to enhance milk and meat production.

“The government is committed to help and guide livestock farmers about new technologies and trends to enhance milk and meat production,” he maintained.

The All-Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA) Chairman Nasib Ahmad Saifi highlighted that his body has already shared a number of suggestions with the provincial government to boost production of livestock and dairy sector. Despite the fact that Pakistan was a Muslim country, he pointed out, it has a negligible share in halal meat exports. He indicated that the country has the potential of earning Rs50 billion from halal meat exports and Rs40 billion by exporting sacrificial animals during Hajj.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, he indicated that the overall volume of halal meat export is around $3 billion in which Pakistan has only a 6% share owing to various internal issues. He also said the government should set export targets for commercial officers deployed in different countries and encourage Pakistan exporters to participate in exhibition and fairs around the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2020.