September 13, 2006

Pakistan to launch US$31 million project to modernise livestock sector

Pakistan's government is launching Rs1.9 billion (US$31.4 million) programme to  subsidise the livestock sector for 2006-07, the first time it has ever done so.

The programme aims to enhance Pakistan's foreign exchange earnings by increasing the export of milk and meat and its other products derived from it.

National milk production in 2010 has been set at 43.3 million tonnes, officials said, adding that hitting the target would require concerted efforts to transform the livestock sector. This would not only entail improving milk collection network, increasing dairy potential but also enhancing milk processing and marketing.

Small and landless dairy farmers and rural dairy farmers would be the major beneficiaries of the programme.

Farmers' organisations/associations would be formed to provide subsidised veterinary cover, assistance for fodder production and marketing expertise to registered farmers. These farmers would also be trained on profitable dairy farming.

The programme also aims to develop the milk processing industry and seeks to increase milk production by 10-15 percent while drawing more than 10,000 subsistence dairy farmers into the milk marketing chain.