The government should evolve a comprehensive strategy to improve livestock sector on modern scientific lines in addition to introducing and implementing micro finance schemes to encourage small farmers so that self reliance in milk production could be achieved.
This was stated by the speakers at a conference on “Role of Livestock in Pakistan’s Economy” organised by the Department of Livestock Management, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) here on Monday.
Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) General (R) Muhammad Ali presided over the event, while Faculty of Animal Husbandry Dean Professor Dr Muhammad Sarwar and Department of Livestock Management UAF Professor Dr Muhammad Younus were among the main speakers, who delivered keynote lectures in the conference.
Speakers said that, although, Pakistan is standing fourth position in the list of largest milk producing countries across the globe, yet it is matter of concern that the country is importing powder milk worth $180 million annually.
General (R) Muhammad Ali called for making processed milk accessible to the average people at affordable prices, saying that 85 percent of the population does not afford processed milk.
He stressed the need to devise a mechanism for it to be available for the common man. He urged farmers to increase productivity per animal, with the adoption of new researches and techniques. Bill Stevenson from Nestle said that Pakistan was blessed with 26 million buffalos, 24 million cows and 14 million farm families whereas the country is producing 31 billion liter of milk annually. Giving details, he said that the past has seen as many as 61 percent of milk being gained through milkmen (Guvalas), seven percent from progressive farmers and 11 percent through direct sellers. He told that the situation has changed now as 45 percent of milk was being collected by milkmen (Guvalas), 27 percent by direct sellers, seven percent by progressive farmers and 8 percent by commercial sector. SMEDA Assistant Manager Naureen Anjum threw light on the role of women in livestock sector. She said that as many as 65 percent of our country population lives in the rural areas. The population of rural areas was 75 percent in the past but the trend has changed and the people are migrating to the cities.
She said that the rural women spend 60 to 80 percent of their time in the animal husbandry but due to a male dominated society, women are not being encouraged and are not free to make any decision regarding animals.
