Experts say dairy, beef sectors need ‘substantial efforts’ for improvement

LAHORE: Despite being the 4th largest milk producer and a major contributor to agriculture and the GDP, the dairy sector of Pakistan faces challenges that impede its full potential. With a population of 240 million people relying on it for their protein and dairy needs, Pakistan’s dairy and beef industries significantly underperform, demanding substantial efforts for improvement.

These views were expressed by industry experts at an event marking the partnership between Cloud Agri Pakistan, NASNA - an Australian livestock company renowned for live animal exports - and Denkavit Nederland, a Dutch global leader in young animal feed solutions with over 90 years of expertise in the field.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries, Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan, hoped that a partnership between Dutch and Pakistani companies would lead to developing the Pakistani livestock sector on modern lines. She said over 50 Dutch companies are operating in Pakistan, including in the Dairy and Agriculture sectors.

She assured her full support for Pakistani and Dutch companies operating in the dairy Sector. She said Pakistan and the Netherlands have been engaged in what she calls historic cooperation in the dairy and livestock sector.

Dr. Rana Shaukat Hussain, CEO of Cloud Agri Pakistan & Global Business Director of Cloud Agri Group said, by joining forces with NASNA and Denkavit, we are not only facilitating the introduction of superior livestock and nutrition solutions but also fostering a platform for knowledge exchange and the implementation of international best practices to Pakistan dairy and beef farmers.

The collaboration is poised to bring unprecedented benefits to the Pakistani dairy and beef sector. NASNA will serve as the exclusive provider of high-quality Australian dairy and beef animals, while Denkavit will supply state-of-the-art calf rearing solutions to meet the diverse needs of Pakistani livestock farmers.

By supplying superior cattle breeds from Australia and introducing advanced calf nutrition solutions, the partnership aims to elevate Pakistan’s dairy and livestock sectors to global standards going forward. This strategic alignment is set to empower local farmers and stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance the production, improve animal health, and drive overall industry advancement.

As part of this partnership, a comprehensive knowledge-sharing framework will be established to equip farmers with the skills and insights needed to adopt modern farming and livestock management techniques to cater the increasing demand for dairy and protein needs and to meet the food security challenges as well

as to uplift the quality of produce to meet the international standards for export.

To improve the genetics of local cattle breeds and increase milk production, the government of Punjab is implementing various policy interventions in dairy and beef breeding. These interventions include the provision of AI services, breeding programs, capacity building, financial support, and the development of breeding policies, as well as creating opportunities for beef export by creating FMD-free compartments.

Dr. Sajjad Hussain Sanghi (DG Research L&DD Punjab) said that the livestock sector in Pakistan has historically been dominated by small-scale producers, with traditional methods prevailing across the country. However, with the advent of modern technologies and increased awareness, the industry is undergoing a transformation.

The department, on an ad-hoc basis works seamlessly to develop FMD-free programs as well as facilitating global companies for Private Public Partnerships to welcome advanced vaccine technologies in the country. Smallholder farmers are gradually adopting innovative practices such as improved breeding techniques, better feed management, and advanced healthcare for livestock.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz (Vice Chancellor, CUVAS Bahawalpur) and Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha - Ex VC UVAS also spoke on this occasion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024