May 11, 2012

 

Pakistan may triple milk production using simple methods

 

 

As latest measures can further milk output by 900%, Netherlands on Thursday (May 10) said Pakistan can easily triple its milk production by employing simple methods.

 

Pakistan has a very impressive dairy industry which can be exploited to its real potential, said Economic Councellor Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands Ian Van Ranselaar.

 

A developed environment can help revolutionise Pakistan's dairy industry, he said while talking to VP FPCCI Mirza Abdul Rehman, Chairman Coordination Atif Akram Sheikh and Chairman Media Malik Sohail, said in a statement issued here.

 

Joseph D. Dayal, Iftikhar Khan, other businessmen and Dutch diplomat Marco J.F. Holtslag were also present on the occasion.

 

Ranselaar said that a Dutch cow produces 9 times more milk a Pakistani cow or buffalo can produce; some measures are needed to bring per cow production of both friendly countries at par.

 

About 16 Pakistani major dairy stakeholders are due to leave for Netherlands to know the latest trends and techniques, he informed. He said that currently balance of trade is in favour of Pakistan and we are working on various projects to boost Pakistani economy.

 

The diplomat said that various Pakistani products including rice, textiles, surgical goods, sports hardware, leather products, and fruits are of superior quality but local entrepreneurs lag behind in branding which has been identified as a major obstacle.

Ranselaar and Holtslag said that security situation in Pakistan is not as bad as perceived in many countries which is shying away investors. Pakistan should improve its perception, they advised.

 

The Dutch diplomats were all praise for the tireless efforts of Pakistan Commercial Councellor in Hague. At the occasion, Mirza Abdul Rehman said that with 180 million populations Pakistan has great potential for investment, vast space for business activities and there is no issue of law and order.

 

Atif Akram Sheikh said that both the countries have good political ties which should supplement our trade relations. Pakistan has three times the animals that Germany has, but yields are one-fifth of Germany's and one-third of New Zealand, representing a significant loss, he said.

 

Business community is satisfied with the efforts of the Ambassador Hugo Gajus Scheltema, said Sheikh, adding that issuance of visa should be made easier.

 

Malik Sohail said that national business leaders Tariq Sayeed and Iftikhar Ali Malik wants enhanced trade between two countries and they are finalising a high profile delegation to explore opportunities in Dutch market.

 

Being the fourth largest producer of milk in the world Pakistan produces 35 billion litres of milk from around five million animals which is worth PKR177 billion (US$1.9 billion), said Sohail.

 

Our dairy sector is growing by 5% per annum while demand is increasing by 15% which calls for urgent measures, he underlined. Pakistan is processing only 2% of milk production which if increased will help boost living standard of rural population and economy.