Pakistan faces economic challenges. The country must use its natural and human strengths to grow. One strong area is Punjab’s meat and dairy sector. This region plays a key role in agriculture and can drive economic progress.
Livestock makes up about two-thirds of agriculture. With agriculture contributing 15% of GDP, livestock accounts for roughly 11% of the nation’s income. Punjab is a leader in this field, as shown in the table below:
| Category | Punjab’s Production/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Milk | 62% |
| Beef | 43% |
| Mutton | 32% |
| Poultry | 75% |
These figures highlight Punjab’s strong base and its potential to supply both local and global markets.
Global examples also show what can be achieved. New Zealand, with only 5 million people, boasts dairy exports worth over $23 billion. Pakistan ranks fourth in the world for milk production at over 65 million tonnes per year. Yet, its share in the global dairy market remains low. The global market is vast, as seen here:
| Market Sector | Value/Projection |
|---|---|
| Value/Projection | $1032.7 billion by 2024 |
| Global Halal Meat Market | Exceeds $2.8 trillion now; $7.5 trillion by 2032 |
These numbers suggest that Pakistan can capture a significant market share if it acts soon.
Lessons from Australia and Brazil offer useful insights. Although Australia produces only slightly more beef than Pakistan, it ranks as the second-biggest meat exporter globally. Australia achieves this through strong animal breeding, maintaining animal health, and using technology to control disease. With proper measures, Pakistan can aim for a 5% share of the global meat market, especially with the growing demand for halal meat.
During a recent term as Minister of Livestock and Dairy Development in Punjab, several strategies were implemented to boost the sector. The following table summarizes these key measures:
| Initiative | Impact/Result |
|---|---|
| Animal tracking and farm registration | Increased export value from $350M to $550M in one year |
| Dedicated disease control zone | Made products eligible for global export |
| High protein fodder production (37,000 acres) | Improved livestock nutrition |
| Allocation of low-interest loans (Rs32 billion) | Enabled farmers to upgrade equipment and improve production |
| Special zones for meat and mutton production | Focused development in key livestock areas |
Punjab holds vast potential. The region has fertile land, ample water, a large livestock base, and skilled, low-cost labor. These strengths can build a world-class meat and dairy industry that supports Pakistan’s economic growth.
Readers are invited to share their thoughts and comments. Your feedback can help shape the future of this key sector.
