Federal Food Minister Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan said on Thursday a livestock policy aimed at enhancing both meat and dairy production had almost been finalised and would be submitted to the federal cabinet early next month. The minister added the emphasis in the proposed policy was on motivating the private sector for playing a lead role in the sector and the government would restrict itself to be a regulator.
He was addressing a foundation stone laying ceremony of a building for Strengthening of Livestock Services Project (SLSP) at National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) here.
The SLSP, being launched with the technical and financial assistance of the European Union (EU), is aimed at the improvement of farmers' livelihood through the provision of better livestock services with the view to enhancing productivity in the sector.
The government, Bosan said, would establish a fully autonomous Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) to help improve the sector under the proposed policy.
"The livestock sector in the country will be led by the private sector and the present government is determined to provide enabling environment in this regard," the minister said.
"The government is now finalising the livestock policy that will usher a new era of development in the sector," the minister told a gathering of agri scientists.
The steps the government was planning to take under the proposed policy, Sikandar said, would help in realising the potential of the livestock and go a long way in organising this sector for improved productivity and export orientation.
"We are currently reviewing all relevant rules and regulations and will be making them in accordance with international requirements," the minister added.