CM seeks steps to hike milk, meat export to China

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryan Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to take steps to increase the export of buffalo meat and milk to China.

“Only vaccinated and tagged cattle will be brought to cattle markets and slaughterhouses,” she asserted while chairing a meeting that was briefed on the export potential of the livestock sector.

She said authentic data of cattle should be prepared and regularly updated, directing the authorities concerned to pay special attention to research and development.

 The chief minister stressed that more work was needed for disease control and breed improvement.

She also issued directives for boosting disease control measures in the province.

“The foot and mouth disease control programme should be made more effective. FMD vaccine should be produced locally in large quantities,” she added.

“A new mechanism must be created to increase the export of dairy products,” she stressed.

The chief minister was informed that the upgrade of vaccine production labs would cost Rs360 million and zoonosis centre Rs299 million.

Officials said breed improvement could increase the yield by up to 25 per cent.

The chief minister was apprised that livestock accounts for 14.36% of the country’s GDP. Punjab produces the country’s 62% milk, 43% beef, 33% mutton and 65% poultry meat.

She was informed that China imports $17 billion worth of meat and $2 billion worth of milk from the country annually.

The CM directed the officials to present a report on the volume of poultry trade with the Gulf countries and China. She also called for steps to increase the export of buffalo meat and milk to China.

She agreed to a proposal to provide motorbikes for veterinary doctors and vans for mobile dispensaries.

Anti-narcotics dept

Chairing a review meeting on the department of excise, taxation and narcotics control, the chief minister issued directives for the creation of a new anti-narcotics department.

She also directed the officials concerned to clear the backlog of registration plates of vehicles.

“All resourceful people who are not paying tax currently should be brought into the tax net,” she said, while stressing that the tax on houses needed to be rationalised.

She directed the authorities concerned to prepare an assessment report on the difference in property tax due to mismatch in the rental values and official rates. She approved a proposal to set up a tax consultancy unit for proper evaluation.

The CM was apprised that 13 excise checkpoints would be established to prevent smuggling of goods and drugs.

Moreover, the launch of e-stamped documents for registrations of vehicles will result in a 12.5% increase in tax collection. The revival of an opium factory and the review of pharmaceuticals will add tax revenue of Rs900 million.

The excise department will also work with the Safe City Authority for the recovery of penalties.

Presiding over a meeting on health reforms, the chief minister approved a plan to launch a Field Hospital and Clinic on Wheels Project along with revamping of rural and basic health centers across the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.