The Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB) has set up 350 feedlot fattening farms nation-wide to increase the meat production in the country.
"The board plans to set up 2,500 farms of such kind in the next five years. The scheme began around February-March with 350 being established in the Punjab and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and work in the rest of the two provinces began late," Chief Executive Dr Muhammad Afzal told Business Recorder during his visit Lahore.
He said that the board was working on a four-pronged strategy, including meat and dairy development, improving reproduction efficiency and small holders' dairy. There are 17,000 animals being reared in these fattening farms.
These farms are being set up in the private sector and the Livestock and Dairy Development Board extends technical assistance, veterinary cover services and grant for running these farms. These farms are being set up both for big and small animals.
Dr Afzal said his board was also working on setting up model butcheries and slaughterhouses and the main purpose was to produce meat or beef in hygienic manner.
"These will be also set up in the private sector and the board will provide them with free technical feasibility, drawings and designs and financial guidance," he added. He also disclosed that the board would launch two projects next month, including production of animals of good breed with progressive breeders and improving reproduction efficiency.