President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday stressed the need for effectively harnessing the dairy resources of the country. Chairing a meeting here, he observed that although Pakistan is one of the largest producers of milk, it ranked very low in dairy products.
The meeting here at the Camp Office reviewed progress on the development of dairy products in Pakistan. Whereas production of milk could still be increased significantly by enhancing per cow yield, which is very low as per international standards, the dairy manufacturing sector was unable to make optimum use of the milk already available.
The President identified the poor collection/marketing systems and use of obsolete technology as the causes for Pakistan's backwardness in this sector.
Industries, Production and Special Initiatives Minister Jehangir Khan Tareen briefed the meeting about the measures being taken for the growth and development of the dairy sector in the country. Over 640 model farms will be established by June 2007 and this number will increase to 2440 by 2013, he said.
During the meeting, strategies for achieving medium-term goals through private and public sector collaboration were also discussed.
Matters relating to structural reforms in dairy industry, and up-gradation of Food Laws and quality standards also came under discussion.
Musharraf said there is a need for reorganising dairy farming in the country on modern lines, so that this vital and untapped resource might be utilised to earn foreign exchange.
He emphasised that the development of the dairy sector would greatly help in job creation and poverty alleviation.
The President also instructed for human capital development in the sector by imparting vocational training. He appreciated the role of Pakistan Dairy Development Company, a public-private partnership, in improving the lot of eight million dairy farming households in the country.
Appreciating the financial contributions made by the private sector to strengthen the company, the President assured that the government would also provide necessary financial and administrative support to the Company. Representatives of various dairy farms, foreign experts, and other senior officials attended the meeting.