Ahmed Khan Malik

The Sindh government has chalked out a strategy to enhance the livestock production to bolster the rural economy and improve food security.

The initiative is expected to yield promising results, reflecting the provincial government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development, officials in livestock department told WealthPK. They said that in a significant move to strengthen the livestock sector, the global lenders approved a $137 million project aimed at enhancing livestock productivity in Sindh.

"This initiative underscores the global community's recognition of Sindh's potential in livestock development,” Latif Jamal, the livestock department’s additional director, said. He said the Sindh government recently organised a large-scale livestock expo, which attracted over one million visitors. “The expo provided a platform for farmers, breeders, and investors to collaborate, showcasing the province's dedication to advancing the sector collectively.”

Jamal said that the provincial government has also launched union council-based poverty reduction programme (UCBPRP), which has played a pivotal role in supporting rural communities by boosting the productivity of the livestock and dairy sectors. “Notably, women have been significant beneficiaries, given their substantial involvement in livestock management in rural Sindh.

The programme has facilitated the training of community livestock extension workers, empowering them to provide essential services such as artificial insemination and animal healthcare directly to farmers. This initiative has not only improved livestock health and productivity but also enhanced the socioeconomic status of rural households,” he explained. Jamal said that Sindh Agriculture Growth Project (SAGP) had already been completed to support the agriculture and livestock sectors in rural Sindh.

“The project achieved a 28.4% increase in overall milk production. It established 153 milk producer groups, benefiting nearly 20,000 individuals, including over 8,000 women, across 10 districts. The provision of milk chillers and training in livestock management were instrumental in reducing milk wastage and improving product quality, thereby increasing farmers' incomes and market access.” He pointed out that the Sindh Agriculture Policy has been formulated to create an efficient, prosperous, and resilient food production sector.

“Key components of this policy include installation of 153 milk chillers in various villages to improve the marketing system and socioeconomic status of farmers and restoration of 121 veterinary centres affected by floods or rain, and the modernisation of existing semen production units to enhance breeding services as well as training programmes in livestock management and artificial insemination to equip farmers with modern techniques and improve productivity,” he explained.

The livestock department’s additional director said that despite various initiatives, challenges such as traditional breeding methods, inadequate health facilities, and limited market infrastructure persist.  “Addressing these issues requires continuous efforts in policy support, institutional strengthening, and capacity building.” By focusing on these areas, he said Sindh aims to exploit the full potential of its livestock sector, contributing significantly to the province's economy and the nation's food security.

He said Sindh's proactive measures to enhance livestock production reflect a comprehensive approach involving policy reforms, infrastructure development, and community engagement. "These initiatives not only aim to boost productivity but also strive to improve the livelihoods of rural communities, ensuring sustainable growth in the livestock sector,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk