ISLAMABAD: The livestock sector of the economy has registered a growth of 3.9 per cent during 2023-24, revealed Economic Survey 2023-24 released here on Tuesday.
The survey said that gross value addition of the livestock sector has shown an increase, rising to Rs5,804 billion in 2023-24 from Rs5,587 billion in 2022-23, marking a growth rate of 3.9 per cent. Moreover, the sector’s net foreign exchange earnings make a meaningful contribution, accounting for approximately 1.6 per cent of the total exports in the country.
Pakistan has an estimated livestock 57.5 million cattle population, 46.3 million buffalos, 32.7 million sheep, 87 million goats, 1.2 million camels, 5.9 million asses, 0.4 million horses, and 0.2 million mules.
The country’s milk production has increased by 3.24 per cent from 67.8 million tons to 70 million tons. The country’s estimated milk production stands at over 70 million tons, of which, 26.1 million tons of milk production was from cows, 41.9 million tons from buffalos, 1.1 million tons from goats, 0.96 million tons from camels, and 42,000 from sheep.
The survey further said that animal husbandry is a cornerstone of rural economy, with more than eight million rural families deeply engaged in livestock production. This sector is a vital lifeline for these families, contributing significantly to their livelihoods by accounting for around 35-40 per cent of their total income.
In the broader economic landscape, the livestock sector has solidified its position as the primary driver of agricultural growth, comprising approximately 60.84 per cent of the agricultural value added and 14.63 per cent of the national GDP during 2024.
The government has recognised the inherent potential of this sector for economic growth, food security, and poverty alleviation in the country and has accordingly focused on its development. The overall strategy for livestock development revolves around promoting “private sector-led development with the public sector providing an enabling environment through policy interventions.” Regulatory measures have been implemented to enhance per unit animal productivity by improving veterinary health coverage, husbandry practices, animal breeding practices, assisted reproductive techniques, artificial insemination services, use of balanced ration for animal feeding, and controlling livestock diseases such as FMDE, PPR, LSD, and Avian Influenza.
The primary objective is to leverage the potential of the livestock sector for economic growth, food security, and rural socioeconomic uplift. To address investment-related issues in the value-added livestock export sector, the government is considering developing export meat processing zones and disease-free zones and compartments for FMD, PPR, and HPAI, among others, as well as, facilitating the establishment of modern slaughterhouses based on the industry’s requirements. The government also provides various schemes through the financial sector for a limited period to boost the livestock sector. The focus of the present government is on breed improvement for enhanced productivity, establishing a nucleus herd, identifying breeds well adapted to various agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, and importing high-yielding exotic dairy, beef, mutton breeds, and genetic materials (semen, ova and embryos). By implementing these measures, the government aims to stimulate growth in the livestock sector, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth and food security.
The poultry sector is a vibrant component of the livestock industry, providing employment opportunities to over 1.5 million people in the country. With a substantial investment of more than Rs1056 billion, this industry has experienced impressive growth, averaging a remarkable 7.3 per cent annual growth rate over the past decade. This expansion has led to Pakistan becoming the eleventh largest poultry producer in the world, with vast potential for future growth and advancement.
The poultry sector contributes around 40.7 per cent of the country’s gross meat production. To further strengthen and develop this industry, the poultry development strategy focuses on critical areas such as disease control, cutting-edge technology for poultry production in controlled environments, processing and value addition, improving poultry husbandry practices, and expanding product diversification.
Despite its growth and potential, the poultry sector in Pakistan faces various challenges, including disease outbreaks, feed quality issues, high production costs, non-availability of locally grown crops like soybeans, and market fluctuations. Addressing these challenges is essential for sustaining the sector’s growth and ensuring food security in the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024