August 14, 2007

Pakistan to increase meat and milk production
 

Pakistan's government is partnering with the private sector to work on a joint project that would see the additional production of 12.7 million litres of milk and 200,000 tonnes of meat annually.

The project would be launched in 79 districts in all four provinces in the country as well as FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) and Azad Kashmir.

The announcement was made by the Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, speaking at a workshop on "Strengthening Livestock Sector in Pakistan,".

The project, to be spread over a five-year period, would cost Rs 1696.40 million (US$28 million).

Other measures to boost the industry include the training of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) and para veterinarians to run veterinary clinics.

Pakistan is focusing on milk production due to the higher prices and relatively low input required. An official at the workshop noted that milk profits alone exceeds that of four major crops - wheat, rice, maize, and sugarcane - put together.

The livestock sector accounts for almost 50 percent of the value added products in the agriculture sector, and nearly 11 percent of the country's GDP.