KP government has established 53 modern veterinary hospitals throughout the province at an estimated cost of Rs 350 million whereas Rs 105.35 million have been spent on the renovation and upgradation of the existing veterinary facilities in the past three years. Additionally, Rs 120 million have been spent on expansion and breeding of pure-bred buffalos and upgradation of dairy technologies. 160 new animal dispensaries have also been established throughout the province.
According to the three-year performance report issued by the Directorate of Livestock and Dairy development, steps are underway to ensure better breeding of animals, establishment of meat animals farms, establishing veterinary hospitals for treatment of animal diseases and associating dairy products with the mainstream markets in an attempt to increase production and bringing improvement in the performance of these crucial sectors of the provincial and national economy.
The Livestock department has also established a model farm for breeding of Angora Rabbits at Rs 10 million cost. Angoras are bred mainly for their wool, which is silky and soft and will contribute in the economic resources of the province. Steps have also been taken for training farmers and staff associated with the Livestock sector. A total of Rs 60 million have been spent on training the staff of the Livestock department, as well as livestock farmers. In order to reach the farmers of the far flung areas, the Livestock department has conducted over 1442 field days throughout the province in which 30702 farmers were provided trainings and advises on effective management and breeding of their animals.
Accordinig to report, a total of 6.3 million animals have been treated in the veterinary hospitals of KP whereas 6.28 million animals have been administered with vaccines. 20.09 million vaccines have also been administered in the poultry sector. A total of 927067 artificial inseminations in cattle have also been carried out during the last three years.
In the research sector, the Livestock department has established Livestock Research & Development Station in Lower Dir at a cost of Rs 247.605 million, which includes analytical laboratory for animals. The facility will help in genetic improvement of Achai Cattle & Azakhali Buffaloes, improve the management practices of the farmers through awareness and encourage the farmers to use improved feeding practices. Additionally, Drug Residue Determination Facility has also been established in Peshawar at a cost of Rs 60 million. The facility will help in detection of high hazardous drug residues in milk, meat, eggs and checking of adulteration in food to fulfil the WTO requirements. It will also help in solving the major problem of diseases incidence and poor quality feed.
Moreover, a separate department for Research & Development in Fodder & Forages for enhancement of Dairy production has also been established at a total cost of Rs 20 million.
In the vaccination sector, the Animal Diseases Research Institute in KP is currently preparing the best vaccines throughout Pakistan which are not only utilised in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but are also being used by farmers and departments throughout Pakistan. In the past three years, a total of 120 million vaccines have been produced for seven different diseases.