The Balochistan government has been taking various steps to provide relief to farmers in the flood-affected areas of the province.

Director General of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department Dr Ghulam Rasool Taj told media that fodder was being provided to farmers for the survival of their animals.

He said that the livestock sector was affected badly by the recent floods in 33 districts of the province. He said that the staff of the livestock department was busy providing fodder to farmers for the survival of cattle in the affected areas.

Dr Ghulam Rasool said that millions of domestic animals perished in the floods that caused a shortage of meat and milk in the area. He said that the department was working with local administration for the protection of the livestock.

He said that fodder was sent to the affected districts for animals. He added that special instructions were also issued to relevant officials to take all possible measures to ensure the survival of cattle.

The livestock department has also set up vaccination camps in the flood-hit districts to vaccinate animals and save them from different ailments including lumpy skin disease.

Dr Ghulam Rasool said that the floods destroyed standing crops and houses as well as cattle pens and fodder deposits in the province. He added that the second most affected source of livelihood was livestock with its damage assessed at 81%.

He said that all available resources were being utilised to help farmers and save their livestock so that they would start their lives anew. He said that an assessment of the damage caused by the floods was underway in collaboration with the communication and works department to compensate the affected farmers.

Dr Ghulam Rasool said that the livestock department could not get foreign funds but it was under consideration by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

He said that he was in contact with the staff of the department to ensure the provision of fodder to farmers in the flood-hit districts of the province.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk