August 2, 2005
  

Pakistan considers new policy to expand livestock sector
 

During Pakistan's recent Livestock Investment Conference and Exhibition, the country's federal minister for food, agriculture and livestock, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, said a new livestock policy had been sent to the prime minister for approval.

He reported that Pakistan's government would make changes in the legal system to attract investment in the dairy and livestock sector. The Livestock and Dairy Development Board would also be established to ensure delivery of loans to farmers and other industry players.

The government's objective was to promote and expand the livestock sector to meet domestic requirements, and develop Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) within it on a modern footing.

Sikandar said that livestock played a dominant role in the country's economy, making up 46.8 percent of the agricultural sector and 10.8 percent of the national gross domestic

product.

Pakistan's growing population, increasing numbers of cities and rising per capita income, were increasing demand for livestock and its products, the minister added. Thus, the government needed to increase domestic livestock production through focus on processing and modern marketing strategies.

Sikandar also suggested livestock sale and purchase on the basis of weight, and establishment of slaughterhouses in the private sector to attract investments there.

The government would also sign an agreement between farm owners and milk companies to ensure timely sale of livestock products.

Sikandar added that the private sector would bear the expenses of purchasing machinery, while both the public and private sectors would provide animal health services, which would be insured through commercial banks. Farmers would only have to pay for the medicines.

Also, only imported healthy animals would be allowed from India, and imports would continue until Pakistan achieved self-sufficiency in livestock products.