March 17, 2009

Pakistan has a huge cattle sector whose potential has not been fully tapped but the government is working to develop the sector, according to industry officials.

Pakistan produced 590,000 tonnes of beef and mutton, while this year's output is estimated at 1.6 million tonnes.

Pakistan produced 38.37 million tonnes of dairy products in 2006 but weak marketing has prevented the flow of profits, Chief Executive of the Livestock and Dairy Development Board Muhammad Afzal said.

Pakistan has the potential to expand trade with ASEAN member states as the countries share common international markets, and the livestock and livestock processed food industries have the best trade potential, said Mir Humayun Aziz Kurd, Federal Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development.

The government has placed livestock onto the national development agenda, drawing up livestock supportive policies coupled with improved disease control services, artificial insemination services, and progeny testing programme to help achieve sustainable growth in the livestock sector, Mir Humayun said.

Apart from provincial government programmes, the federal government has increased public sector investments in the livestock industry, and is implementing developing programmes worth Rs8.8 billion (US$109.5 million), he said.

Pakistan has the potential to increase meat production and improve meat quality, which could lead to increased exports, Mir Humayun said.

Meanwhile, the government is giving zero import duties on raw materials used in the production of exports and also for agriculture machinery and equipment, according to Joint Secretary Federal Ministry for Livestock and Dairy Development, Hamid Ali Khan.