June 12, 2007

USDA: Pakistan to prioritize development of dairy and livestock sector

Playing key roles on Pakistan's national economy and rural development, the local dairy and livestock sectors provide a significant source of income, food and export earnings. Livestock is the most important sub-sector in Pakistani agriculture, accounting 11 percent of gross domestic product and 47 percent of the agricultural income, according to US Department of Agriculture's "Pakistan Dairy and Products 2007".

According to the USDA report, the sector also takes 9 percent of Pakistan's total export earnings as well as serving a social security system for the rural poor and financial source in the event of crop failure, particularly on dry areas.

Developing the dairy and livestock industries is one of the main priorities of the government of Pakistan. The improvement will centre on key areas such as live animals and genetics, dry milk and other dairy products, feed, pharmaceuticals, management and machinery to upgrade milk production, processing and marketing infrastructure. 

As the world's fifth largest of milk in the world, dairy is the biggest enterprise in Pakistan's livestock business with total value of milk production is greater than the country's two major crops-- wheat and cotton. More than 6.5 million families or 35 million people are dependent on the industry as average herd size ranges from 2 to 3 animals per family, accounting 40 percent of the household's total income.

Pakistan imports 25,000 tonnes of powdered milk yearly worth more than US$400 million. The country also imported 2,600 dairy animals from Australia and is seen to increase its imports in the near future to enhance further its dairy industry.

For more of the USDA report, please click here